Everything you need to know about the Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride 2025

It’s back! After being cancelled last year, the iconic Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride is returning next month.

City charity North West Cancer Research has taken over the Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride in partnership with Home Bargains so if you’re getting back in the saddle – or you just want to watch – here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride?

The LCL Bike Ride is one of the most historic bike rides in the city, having been running for more than three decades. It was cancelled last year after the previous operators went into administration – but you can’t keep a great event down (and who doesn’t want the chance to cross the famous Mersey through the Queensway tunnel traffic free?).

When is it?

It’s happening on Sunday, July 6.

Is it a charity fundraiser?

Yes. It costs from £10 to enter with a fundraising minimum of £50. Over the years, it’s raised more than £750,000 for charities across the region, and this year will raise vital cash for North West Cancer Research.

What does North West Cancer Research do?

North West Cancer Research is an independent charity, based in Liverpool, dedicated to putting the region’s cancer needs first, funding pioneering research and education to tackle the cause, improve the care, and find the cure for cancer.

Support means it can continue to fund life-saving research and focus on the types of cancer that most affect our families, our friends, and our communities.

Are there different distances in the LCL Bike Ride?

Yes, the LCL Bike Ride is a non-competitive event and caters for all ages and abilities, with a range of distances for everyone from beginners to keen cyclists.

What are the five different routes?

* The 5 Mile Family Tunnel Ride

This is a fun five-mile family ride through Liverpool’s Queensway tunnel, traffic-free. It starts at the Liverpool side of the tunnel going right up to the toll booths in Birkenhead, then back through the tunnel to the finish festival village at Exchange Flags.

Registration costs £10.

Start time 9am.

* The 25 Mile Liverpool to Chester bike ride

This is the next step up from the 5 Mile Family Tunnel Ride, and a great way to challenge yourself. The ride starts at the Old Haymarket, again on the Liverpool side of the Queensway Tunnel, up to and past the Birkenhead toll booths, then passing through the Wirral. It goes into Neston where cyclists can stop for a snack or catch their breath, and finishes at the sports field at Dale Barracks, Chester.

This costs £30 to register.

Start time is 8am.

* 50 mile Chester Challenge

If you’re looking to challenge yourself, this is one for you! The 50 mile Chester Challenge route has some great climbs and explores the scenic Cheshire lanes, starting at the event village at the sports field at Dale Barracks, Chester and heading north towards Frodsham. The route continues towards Norley where there’s a snack stop, before going through Delamere Forest to return to the finish. This is for over 18s only.

£33 to register.

Start time is 8am.

* The 50 mile Liverpool Chester Liverpool bike ride

This is the most popular route, and a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a family-friendly mass participation ride that’s perfect for keen cyclists and beginners looking for a challenge. The ride starts at the Old Haymarket, going to the Birkenhead toll booths before looping through North Cheshire with the chance to stop at Dale Barracks, Chester, before returning through the tunnel to the finish festival village.

£33 to register.

Start time is 7.30am.

* The 100 mile Liverpool Chester Liverpool bike ride

This goes from Liverpool through the tunnel to the Birkenhead toll booths and then loops through North Cheshire – stopping at Dale Barracks if you wish – before heading north, towards Alvanley and Frodsham, with some challenging climbs. It then continues towards Norley where cyclists can stop to eat before riding through Delamere Forest and back through the tunnel to Exchange Flags. Over 18s only.

Start time is 7am and registration cost is £35.

North West Cancer Research - Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride

Is there still time to register?

Yes, you can still register to take part in any of the routes, just go to on the Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride website.

How do I get to the start and from the finish?

Well you could cycle of course! But you might want to conserve your energy so:

By Car: but there are no dedicated event car-parking facilities at the start areas and parking charges apply on Sundays. For information on car parks nearby go to the Liverpool City Council and Cheshire Council websites.

By Rail: Bicycles are carried for FREE on Merseyrail. For more information about the cycle facilities at your local Merseyrail station visit the Merseyrail website.

The nearest train stations to the event are Lime Street, Moorfields and Liverpool Central in Liverpool, and Bache and Chester, for the Chester side.

Ring Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or find more information here.

Can I cycle through the tunnel to get to the start?

No, you can’t use either tunnel to get to the start or to return home to the Wirral.

Can I use an electric bike?

Road bikes are recommended but, as it’s an all-inclusive event, adapted bikes, electric bikes and other legal bicycle types are also allowed.

Find more information on the Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride website.

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