The Black Unity Bike Ride will return to the streets of London on Saturday 3 August 2024 as it celebrates black empowerment on two wheels.
The 2024 edition of the Black Unity Bike Ride (BUBR), founded by Londoner Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa, is back for its fifth year and continues the drive for positive change and to encourage unity among the Black community. New survey results for the 2023 event, announced today, found that 50% of participants surveyed were inspired to join a cycling club, and 25% to start a cycle club of their own.
The annual ride, dubbed London’s Carnival on Bikes, is led by an alliance of more than 17 Black-led London based cycling collectives and welcomes novices and experienced riders to join the peloton.
The event, which is delivered in partnership with London Marathon Events, began in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, and during a period of mourning following the tragic death of George Floyd. It also provides inspiration for more people from underrepresented groups to start cycling and increase the diversity of the current cycling population in the capital. At the end of June, thousands of cyclists came together at Ford RideLondon, cycling distances of 100, 60 and 30 miles, including a host of groups and individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Their stories can be read here.
In 2023 the Black Unity Bike Ride welcomed almost a thousand participants, aiming to encourage more Black people onto two wheels. The post event survey of participants found that:
• 68% were inspired to cycle more often
• 69% were inspired to think about their health and wellbeing
• 50% were inspired by BUBR to join a cycling club
• One in four participants surveyed was inspired to start a new cycle crew or club
• 41% were female, and more than 75% of riders were either beginner or intermediate level cyclists
According to Sport England research, 75% of people from an ethnically diverse background never cycle and only 57% of Black people are considered active – which is even lower than the majority of other ethnic groupings. The BUBR serves an inclusive Black community in London, where many are cycling novices – only 22% of the BUBR community describe themselves as advanced cyclists.
BUBR Founder Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa (pictured above), says: “We are very excited to deliver the fifth edition of this wholesome event. It is a unique and organic community event that celebrates cycling, inclusion and Black culture.
“BUBR targets the Black community and welcomes all that celebrate Black culture and are keen to see the sport of cycling diversify. This year we pray for good weather and expect to welcome 2,000 participants at the ride now dubbed the carnival on bikes.”
Hamid Vaghefian, Head of Community Engagement at London Marathon Events, said: “Cycling is an invigorating and inspiring activity that offers everyone the chance to do something good for their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Work continues to break down the barriers which may deter individuals from under-represented groups taking part in cycling, and there is no better example than that set by the Black Unity Bike Ride. It is one of the best examples of bringing people together to show that cycling is for all, and the results from the 2023 post-event survey show the steps they are taking are leaving their mark, as well as supporting positive behavioural changes. They remove obstacles and nurture unity in the world of cycling and am excited to see the event continue to grow.
“Following the success of Ford RideLondon, it is great to see bikes once again transform the streets of London and paint a truly diverse and inclusive picture of this great city.”
The Black Unity Bike Ride 2024 starts at Leyton Sports Ground and has pit-stops in Hackney Downs Park and Somerset House before crossing the Thames River and concluding in Dulwich Park. The event concludes with a celebration called BUBRFest, which includes music and fun cycling related activities for all the family. For the third year in a row BUBR have partnered with Black Eats LDN who will provide vendors selling food and drink celebrating Black culture.
BUBR is a registered charity (Charity Number 1208033) that has grown significantly in just four years, this is reinforced by the launch of the BUBR kit in collaboration leading cycling brand Le Col and the recent second annual BUBR Africa tour to Rwanda.
BUBR is supported by a number of other strategic partners including; Sport England, Sky, and Rapha. BUBR is currently recruiting 300 volunteers to support the successful execution of the event.
The 2024 ride will take place on Saturday 3 August – starting at Leyton Sports Ground, with registrations open from 9am. New participants can arrive on the day and register to take part.
For more information and to register visit the Black Unity Bike Ride site.