Thank you for your email and for taking the time to share your feedback regarding the Skyline Bike Ride and the associated road closures on Madeira Drive.
The parking bays you refer to were unavailable due to a combination of factors. A number of bays have been removed as part of the ongoing Terrace works, and additional space was required due to the postponed Naked Bike Ride protest event, which finished on Madeira Drive on 12 September. While the council does not organise such demonstrations, we do not prevent lawful protests from taking place, and appropriate arrangements are made to facilitate these activities safely.
As a result, parking availability in the area was reduced ahead of the Skyline event.
In relation to the flyers placed on vehicles, the Skyline organisers distributed advance notices to vehicle owners to make them aware of the upcoming road closure and provide an opportunity to move their vehicles before the restrictions came into force. This helps minimise disruption to vehicle owners and reduces the likelihood of vehicles needing to be removed by tow truck once the road closure is in place.
We appreciate your comments regarding the traffic management arrangements and diversion routes. We understand that clear signage and diversion information are important, particularly for drivers needing to travel to the eastern side of the city. While road closure and traffic management plans are reviewed by the Highways team as part of the event approval process, responsibility for installing and maintaining the agreed signage on the day rests with the event organiser and their traffic management contractor.
We will ensure your feedback regarding the diversion routes and associated signage is passed on to our Highways team for review as part of the post-event assessment. Your comments will also be shared directly with the event organiser so they can take them into account when planning future events.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact us. Feedback from residents helps us review and improve arrangements for future events.
September bike ride
From "Outdoor events forum"
Go to the project
The skyline bike ride was shown on the yellow information boards as a Madeira drive closure on 13 September - and this was echoed on the event’s banners on the Madeira drive fencing
on that basis how is it acceptable for approx two thirds of the parking spaces west of sea lanes ti be blocked from early on Saturday 12th? If that was the plan, it should be reflected on the calendar of closures
in addition the event organisers placed fliers on every parked cars reminding them of the closure from 1030 on Saturday morning. Was that really necessary? How many ended up as littter
and finally, the traffic planning on the day left a lot to be desired, with no clear sign posting of diversions or alternative route when travelling from north road to the sea front… kingswood street and Edward street was blocked, and the signs on the steine said the 259 was closed eastbound. What route are people supposed to you use to get to the east of town?
Official updates
Last update: 16 September 2026
Posted on 16 September 2026
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