Thu 3 Jul 2025
We’re Taking the Carnival on Bikes Nationwide!
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In Partnership with London Marathon Events
We’re thrilled to announce that the Black Unity Bike Ride is expanding! Thanks to a new five-year partnership with London Marathon Events (LME), our iconic “Carnival on Bikes” will roll into Manchester in 2025, with a third UK city joining the movement in 2026.
What began on the streets of London in 2020 as a bold act of unity and celebration of Black joy is now growing into a national movement. And we can’t wait for you to ride with us.
Manchester, Here We Come
Our first stop on this expansion journey is Manchester, with the city hosting its first ever Black Unity Bike Ride on Sunday 17 August 2025 — fittingly, Marcus Garvey’s birthday. The 12-mile ride will start and finish at Alexandra Park in Moss Side and promises the same signature festival vibes as our London ride: music all the way, community ride leaders guiding you through the city, and a buzzing food and vendor village back at the park to celebrate our community together.
London: Still Leading the Way
Before we roll north, London’s sixth Black Unity Bike Ride is happening on Saturday 2 August 2025. We’ll kick off at Leyton Sports Ground in East London, weaving through the capital’s streets for 17 miles before the grand finish at Dulwich Park. Expect pitstops, a soundtrack that keeps you pedalling, and the return of BUBR Fest — with more than 13 delicious food vendors, entertainment, and a dedicated recovery zone for all riders.
Entry to BUBR Fest is free, so bring your friends and family to celebrate the ride, even if they’re not on two wheels!
Riding for Unity, Empowerment & Joy
When BUBR started, it was about creating a safe, vibrant space where our community could come together, ride together, and show up for each other. Since then, the movement has inspired thousands of first-time riders:
- 47% of 2024 riders were first-timers
- 77% felt inspired to ride more
- 48% joined a cycling club afterwards
We’re proud to break barriers and get more Black communities active. According to Sport England, only 27% of Black communities cycle regularly, and we’re here to change that.
Powered by Partnership
Our journey has been supercharged by the ongoing support of London Marathon Events since 2021. Now, with this new five-year agreement, we’re taking things to the next level — with help from LME’s expert teams in marketing, operations, logistics and more.
As our founder Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa says:
“What began as a bold idea on London’s streets has grown into a national movement. This partnership is a true statement of intent for community, inclusion and inspiring active lives.”
Join the Movement
The Black Unity Bike Ride is for everyone — all ages, all abilities, all backgrounds. We especially welcome riders from African and African-Caribbean communities, but our streets and celebrations are open to everyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or haven’t touched a bike since you were a kid, come ride with us. Bring your friends. Bring your family. Let’s roll forward together.
📍 Ready to ride?
Stay tuned for details on our third city — and if you haven’t yet, sign up to our newsletter and follow us on socials for all the updates.
The Black Unity Bike Ride is now a registered UK charity, run by a passionate team of volunteers and freelancers. Alongside our rides, we deliver social impact projects across Africa — from Ghana to Rwanda to South Africa — using cycling as a force for good.
