On Sunday 6 July, the eyes of the world will be on Calderdale, as the Tour de France cycles through the region.
To make sure the day goes as smoothly as possible, Calderdale Council has put a number of plans in place to allow residents and visitors who are interested in the race to plan ahead and make it a day to remember.
While excitement is clearly growing around the borough, we know that not everyone wants to watch or take part in the events of the day, and it’s important that people who don’t want to be involved understand that it’s not a normal day.
Travelling around the borough will be difficult unless you’re on foot or bicycle. Roads will be closed from 6.30am so the route can be prepared by installing barriers, deploying stewards and volunteers to make the route safe for spectators, vehicles and the riders.
Bus and train companies are planning for the extra visitors to Calderdale, but on route bus services will be significantly disrupted and rail transport will be very busy.
We’re doing all we can to support the vulnerable and to ensure that their care needs are met, although we need to be clear that emergency services are the only vehicles that will be able to access roads around the tour while the closures are in place.
Calderdale Council’s Director of Communities and Business Change, Robin Tuddenham, said:
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming the Tour in Calderdale, however we do understand that not everyone is as keen to get involved in the events of the day.
“We really want to emphasise that this is not a normal day, and to plan ahead to make alternative arrangements if you need to travel.
“To some, it may seem like a lot of disruption for just one day, but the benefits the race will bring to the borough are huge. It’s predicted that the race will bring an estimated £3m into Calderdale, and significantly more to Yorkshire. It will also bring a lasting legacy of benefits for communities across the borough, creating a boost to tourism and investment in sport.
“And remember, even if you’re not interested in cycling, this is still the opportunity to be involved in a once in a lifetime event. The spectacle of the caravan and the atmosphere should be something everyone can appreciate, as well as the chance to say ‘I was there’.”
Whether you’re getting involved in the race day or not, it’s a good idea to visit www.visitcalderdale.com(external link) for regularly updated news to help you plan your weekend.