As organisers of Ford RideLondon, London Marathon Events leads the way in showing how mass participation sport can be a powerful force for good, and we’re proud of the hugely positive effects our events have had on millions of people since the first London Marathon in 1981.
Our events have a proven track record of inspiring activity, improving physical and mental health, and bringing communities together – raising billions of pounds for charities and supporting local businesses in the process.
We want cycling to be a part of normal, everyday life. It’s a great way to travel, and exercise, that produces no air pollution, minimal noise and no greenhouse gas emissions, all of which align with our wider sustainability ambitions to reduce our negative impact on the environment. We want to ensure our events and activities drive positive change to create a cleaner, healthier future for people and the planet.
Managing our environmental impact at the 2024 Ford RideLondon
Find out what steps we’re taking to manage the environmental impacts of this incredible event and how you can help – whether you’re taking part or watching.
The items marked with an asterisk are new for 2024.
What’s happening at 2024 Ford RideLondon?
- Medals are made from 100% recycled zinc*
- Tap water is provided at welfare stops along the route and at the Finish
- Any discarded clothing in the Start Area is collected by the Salvation Army for re-use or recycling*
- Bike-powered activities at the FreeCycle Festival Zones
- HIGH5 wrappers (gels, bars etc) are collected and sent to a specialist plastics recycling facility
- 50 per cent of event vehicles are fully electric with a further 17 per cent making up a hybrid fleet
- Battery-powered generators used at welfare stops*
- Other generators fuelled by hydrotreated vegetable oil
- We’re collecting banana skins and other food separately at our welfare stops and sending it for composting*
- Volunteer and staff kit will be the same for third successive year to encourage re-use
Here’s how you, the riders, can help:
Can you ride to the Start, or can you use public transport? Check here Cycles on public transport - Transport for London for details of how you can get to and around London with your bike on public transport.
If you have clothing you want to discard at the Start, look for the Salvation Army clothing donation points – please don’t leave clothes on the ground or drape over railings.
Please dispose of your HIGH5 wrappers in the marked HIGH5 collection bins at the welfare stops and at the Finish. These will all be recycled.
Please drop banana skins and other food items (without packaging) in the marked compost bins at welfare stops.
Please don’t litter anywhere on the route. If you have rubbish, keep it with you in a pocket and deposit it at a welfare stop.
You can find out more about our work to reduce our environmental impact here.