Roads closed in Hackney as Tour de France cyclists whizz through

Commuting through Hackney will be a lot more exciting once the Tour has graced the roads.

That’s what Christian Campbell, manager of Look Mum No Hands cycle shop in Mare Street, thinks.

“It sounds corny, but after they’ve been here I’ll be cycling in the footsteps of giants,” he says. “It makes my daily commute more exciting, knowing the world’s greatest cyclists will be cycling down the Lea Bridge Road.”

Hackney Council will not be setting up any official vantage point, but will encourage spectators to head down to the Olympic Park where they can line the route without any barriers between them and the cyclists.

Riders are expected to arrive in Hackney at about 3pm, and the Tour de France publicity caravan of floats which pass ahead will come through at about 1pm.

Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney, said: “It’s fantastic such a prestigious event is coming to East London and only right that it passes through Hackney, the capital’s number one borough for cycling.

“Seeing cycling’s superstars race through our streets will hopefully inspire even more people to get on their bikes and lead more active lifestyles.

“Thousands of spectators are expected to descend on the borough, potentially providing a great boost for many local businesses, while the Hackney Wick area of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will take centre stage in front of millions of TV viewers across the world.

•The A106 Ruckholt Road will be closed between Orient Way and Eastway, and Waterden Road will be closed. The A12 will be open all day, although there will be no access to or from the Lea Interchange junction while the race route is closed to traffic.

•Some bus services to and from Hackney will need to be diverted, temporarily suspended or terminate earlier than their usual destination, as a result of the road closures. Affected routes include the 48, 55, 56, 78, 308, 344, 388 and W15.