Black Londoners Unite on a 15-mile Bike Ride
Across the City.
The Black Unity Bike Ride sets off around the capital once again, on 6th August 2022 for its third year celebrating Black Empowerment.
The Black Unity Bike Ride (BUBR), founded by Londoner Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa gets set for its third year on the roads, driving positive change and encouraging unity and empowerment amongst the Black community. The annual ride is led by an alliance of over 20 Black-led cycling collectives from across London and welcomes novices and experienced riders alike, to join the peloton.
The annual bike ride, which began in 2020 in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and during a period of mourning the tragic death of George Floyd, calls for the Black community to unite against social injustice and inspire more active wellbeing. The ride creates support for the capital’s underrepresented demographics to take to the city’s streets and increase the diversity of the current cycling population in the capital.
BUBR Founder Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa, says: “The Black Unity Bike Ride is a community ride that was created with the aim of inspiring more unity and a sense of empowerment. It’s an awesome vibrant day where we get participants aged seven to seventy-year-olds riding side-by-side and enjoying some of London’s most iconic landmarks.”
“BUBR is a perfect example of the positivity that can be achieved when we choose to unite. We make sure that each ride is a joyful experience that feels empowering, all within a safe space, where our riders can be their unapologetic selves without judgement.”
Despite severe downpour, last year saw over 1,000 people from around the capital of all backgrounds and ages, hit the roads of London to promote peace and unity as part of the trail. Participants mounting their bikes at Walthamstow, riding through the bustling roads and across the Thames River, to the event’s end destination – Shoreditch Park via the West End.
This year sees the introduction of the BUBRFest, which is the finale for the 15-mile ride. BUBR have partnered with Black Eats LDN who will provide music, entertainment and 20 vendors selling food and arts celebrating Black culture.
Lauren Larocque, a 2020 + 2021 BUBR rider and now BUBR volunteer says: “The pandemic was very tough, and really tough for Black people who had been triggered by events that highlighted once again the discrimination and oppression suffered by the black community.”
“Before I found and signed up to the BUBR my mental health was declining, and I had never even imagined having the confidence to cycle across London and to do it with people like me had a really positive impact on us all. Cycling is now a huge part of my life and I owe that to the BUBR”
BUBR is a charity initiative that has grown significantly in just 24 months, this is reinforced by a new collaboration with the leading cycling brand Le Col and the launch of the BUBR kit.
BUBR is supported by a number of strategic partners including; Sport England, London Marathon Events, Sky, Science in Sport, Trek and Rapha. BUBR is currently recruiting 500 volunteers to support the successful execution of the event.
The 2022 ride will take place on Saturday August 6th – starting at Leyton Sports Ground 485 High Rd, London E10 6PY at 0900 for registrations. There will be two rest and refreshment pitstops along the 15-mile route.
To register for the Black Unity Bike Ride 2022 please visit: https://blackunitybikeride.com/bubr22/
Click here to view last year’s short film and here for a selection of images for media use.
For more information, please visit www.blackunitybikeride.com.
Email: pr@blackunitybikeride.com / Tel: +447746 552 161
