ScotRail has issued travel advice ahead of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland next month, confirming that Scotland’s Railway is open for business despite numerous road closures.
In a first of its kind event, the world’s greatest riders will come together to compete in the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships between Thursday, 3 August and Sunday, 13 August.
Around 8,000 elite and amateur cyclists, from more than 120 countries, will participate in the 11-day championships, taking place in venues and locations in Glasgow and across Scotland.
Venues in Glasgow include the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Emirates Arena, Glasgow Green, Glasgow BMX Centre in Knightswood, with Dundee & Angus, Perth & Kinross, Dumfries & Galloway, Stirling, Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and the Nevis Range in Fort William all host regions.
While many roads will close during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championship, the railway will remain open for business and ScotRail is encouraging customers to make the most of train services as a reliable and convenient way to travel during this time.
The road closures around Glasgow will have an impact on the shuttle bus service between Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central throughout the event.
Pedestrian walkways between Glasgow Queen Street and Glasgow Central will remain available throughout the event. Customers who require connecting transport between the stations are advised to consider changing trains at Partick, where possible, for services to Glasgow Queen Street Low Level or Glasgow Central Low Level. Customers travelling to or from the east should consider using services between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh via Shotts, where possible.
Customers who plan to travel with their bike are encouraged to consider using one of the thousands of cycle spaces available at stations across the country.
Cycle Hubs or racks are available at most ScotRail stations, providing customers with secure storage for bicycles, while promoting sustainable and integrated travel options when travelling around the network.
Anyone travelling on the rail network during the Championship should plan their journey in advance, considering that services to and from some venues may experience higher demand with spectators travelling to and from the event.
Full details of the road closures across Scotland are available at getreadyglasgow.com/cycling-worlds.
In addition to this, road traffic and travel updates are available on the Traffic Scotland Website. Public Transport updates are available on the Traveline Scotland website and on the Traveline Scotland app. Customers can also phone the Traffic Customer Care Line on 0800 028 1414 for both road and public transport information.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Head of Customer Operations, said:
"We’re delighted to support the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland, and want to ensure our customers have a seamless travel experience during this exciting event.
“While some roads may be closed, Scotland’s Railway will remain open, providing safe, reliable, and sustainable transport for customers.
“Our advice to customers is to plan your journey ahead of time, consider using the Cycle Hubs and racks at stations if travelling with a bike, and allow extra time for travel as there is the potential for some busier services to and from the venues.”
Hugh Gillies, Transport Scotland Director, said:
“With only a few weeks to go, excitement is building ahead of the largest cycling event ever to take place in Scotland.
“It is a timely reminder for people that cycle hubs or racks are available at most Scotrail stations, as we want this event to promote sustainable, healthy and integrated travel options and deliver a lasting legacy.
“However, with people being asked to leave the car at home, where possible, rail services will be busier than usual, so passengers should plan ahead, and be aware of higher demand across the network during the various events.
“We really need the public and spectators to play their part and check before they travel, to maximise their enjoyment and ensure Scotland is on the global map for all the right reasons.”
Trudy Lindblade, Chief Executive of the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds, said:
“The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is the first of its kind event and we look forward to welcoming cycling fans to Glasgow and Scotland for 11 days of incredible sporting action.
“A huge amount of planning has gone into ensuring this will be fantastic event for all so I encourage everyone, whether you are attending the Championships or not, to plan ahead using the ScotRail website to make sure you have the best day possible.”