Thousands of bikers are gearing up for a ride around the M25 to protest the upcoming expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Scheduled for Sunday, August 20th, this rally is set to be a statement against what many bikers perceive as an unwarranted imposition on their freedom and passion.
The rally is being organised by the Stop ULEZ Coalition, a group that has rallied motorbike enthusiasts from across the UK to take a stand against the ULEZ expansion, which is slated to be implemented across Greater London on August 29th.
The ACE Café, a motorcycle haunt situated on the North Circular Road, will serve as one of the starting points for the rally.
Participants will gather at various key locations along the outer London boundary before embarking on a united ride towards the final destination: Boxhill.
The additional departure sites include Cobham Services, Clackett Lane, Heston Services, South Mimms, and Thurrock Services.
At approximately 12:30pm, the motorcade of bikers will reach their destination – the Rykas Boxhill Car Park. This site will not only mark the conclusion of their ride but also serve as a platform for speakers and media engagements.
Alan Miller, Together Co-Founder, said, “The motorbike is synonymous with freedom and fun. From the Triumph to the Norton, as well as Vespas, the United Kingdom has had a love affair with motorcycles since the late nineteenth century.
“Hugely popular and part of our culture and way of life, they are also now coming under attack by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan’s unnecessary, undemocratic, unjustified and unfair ULEZ imposition.
“We are proud at the Stop ULEZ Coalition to be working with so many people who are opposed to ULEZ and committed to challenging it. This rally represents part of the heartbeat of our way of life and society. We need everyone to tell their MP their vote depends on where they stand on ULEZ and get this stopped together.”
Phil Elliot, UK Unites, said, “Motorbikes are part of the solution not the problem. Two wheels, an engine and the ability to move easily around should be promoted not penalised.
“For many, motorbikes are a passion, a lifestyle or a necessity that have been proven to reduce congestion and pollution. The ULEZ is an unnecessary cash grab hitting the poorest in a cost of living crisis and must be scrapped.”
Howard Cox, Founder of FairFuel UK and London Mayoral Candidate said, “3.6 million licensed motorcyclists travel a staggering 4.4 billion miles across the country on two wheels and into our cities every year.
“Yet Sadiq Khan classifies them not as the lowest road user emitters they undoubtedly are or that they take trifling space on our roads, NO! he sees them as easy to fleece cash cows. They do more in improving air quality than any petrol- powered vehicle.”
Nick Arlett, Action against ULEZ stated: “Two wheels ain’t a hobby, they are a way of life. Don’t just sit and lose what you love. Join us in our ride for freedom.”
Earlier this month, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, expanded the scrappage scheme, saying, “I have always said that expanding the ULEZ to the whole of London was a difficult decision, and not one I took lightly – but it’s a decision I remain committed to seeing through.
“I’m not prepared to step back, delay or water down vital green policies like ULEZ, which will not only save lives and protect children’s lungs by cleaning up our polluted air but help us to fight the climate crisis.
“I have continued to listen to the concerns of Londoners over recent months, and today I can announce a huge expansion to the scrappage scheme that means that all Londoners with non ULEZ-compliant cars will now be able to get financial support to switch to greener, less polluting vehicles.
“As we continue to build a greener and healthier London for everyone, I’m determined that no Londoner and no London business is left behind.
“We need to take people with us on the path to a sustainable future. We are ensuring that help is now available for everyone – and I urge Londoners to come and get it.”
