The Long Course Weekend is scheduled for the weekend of 7-9 September. North Yorkshire Council is paying the organisers £75,000 for hosting the event over the next three years. The course for the cycle event, which I understand involves some 1000 participants, includes many of the narrow roads through upper Nidderdale. I understand that there are no plans for road closures for the event. I am anxious to know what measures are being taken to ensure the safety of all road users, including the event participants, during this cycling event.
So far, there has been little community involvement in the event. The parish councils have received a letter, which includes a promise that the organisers will contribute finance to local communities. Can I ask what part the council will take in the administration of whatever funds the organisers make available?
Response from Cllr Mark Crane
North Yorkshire Council is paying the organisers of Long Course Weekend a hosting fee of £25,000 per year for a three-year agreement - £75,000 in total. The event has an estimated economic impact of over £2 million in the first year alone, offering a substantial return on investment. The event will attract new visitors to the area as the peak summer season begins to slow, providing much needed support for local businesses.
The routes for the event have been carefully selected to limit disruption to residents and businesses during the event, whilst still trying to showcase the amazing scenery and everything that North Yorkshire has to offer, particularly around Masham and surrounding areas.
Safety is of paramount importance to the organisers of Long Course Weekend and as such the event plans and routes go through rigorous scrutiny as part of the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) process which includes partners such as North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and the North Yorkshire Council Highways Service
As part of the event management responsibilities, the Long Course Weekend organisers will ensure the following:
- traffic management signage and ‘share the carriageway’ signs will go out a week ahead of the event.
- route risk assessment has been completed and shared with Safety Advisory Group partners
- event signage will be on course during the live event - comprehensive signage for athletes and all road users.
- comprehensive number of stewards and marshals on the route.
- moto-marshals on course during the ride.
- ‘It’s a sportive, not a race’ will be a key message before and during the ride.
- Participant numbers capped at a 1000 – with a staggered start. Not all participants are doing the 112 mile route, so by the time they reach Lofthouse and upper Nidderdale they will be well spread out.
- rider briefings confirming normal road laws apply as open road conditions. Athletes will be sent an event information pack and event briefing video. There will be further information at registration and another briefing on the day before the start.
- routes have been reviewed by the Safety Advisory Group and recommendations implemented.
- minor roads used to limit impact on other highways users where possible.
- a pre event multi agency table-top exercise to include scenario and contingency planning.
- end of ride vehicle which will recover any riders who can’t complete the distance.
The event organisers have met with several parish/town councils and have shared information with all those that are impacted by the event. They are working particularly closely with Masham Parish Council as the host town. The organisers are more than happy to meet with any parish or town council to discuss the details of the event and work with them to allay any concerns they may have. If you would like Long Course Weekend to meet with anyone in your area, please let us know, and we would be happy to arrange for this to happen.
As part of the organisers’ commitment to community involvement, they offer a variety of financial incentives to encourage community participation. This includes awards for the best supporting village or town, as well as rewards for local groups that support by volunteering at the event. These arrangements are directly managed and at the discretion of the event organisers. North Yorkshire Council has no role in the administration of these funds.