Hundreds of cyclists participated in a mass protest against car use on a section of London's Westway on Friday night, illegally accessing the road while it was closed for structural repairs. The demonstration, organized by the action group Critical Mass London, aimed to promote active travel.
Participants, estimated to number around 1,000, rode along the former motorway, which is currently closed for the replacement of 'critical' structural joints. The route, from the Marylebone flyover to the Westway roundabout near White City, is typically used by approximately 100,000 motorists daily but is prohibited for cyclists and pedestrians.
Footage from the event shows cyclists performing stunts, including wheelies on e-bikes, and riding at speed without helmets. Some individuals were also seen climbing gantries and road signs above the carriageway. Riders, some carrying flags, stopped at points along the road, with one instance captured of them gathering for a drink.
The protest occurred against the backdrop of ongoing roadworks on the A40 in west London. The Westway, which lost its motorway status in 2000, spans 3.5 miles through inner west London.
This demonstration follows a similar event in 2025 when cyclists, also under the banner of Critical Mass London, occupied the Silvertown Tunnel entrance in protest against the perceived lack of cycling infrastructure. The group has stated that the motivations for their rides are varied, describing themselves as a "messy, organic, chaotic meeting of different minds, tribes, styles, histories, motivations."
Plans to create a protected cycle superhighway on the Westway, initiated under former mayor Boris Johnson, were reportedly scrapped by Sadiq Khan in 2016, citing concerns over unpleasant cycling conditions and high costs. Transport for London has been contacted for comment.