Glasgow Green

One of Glasgow's most beloved green spaces, Glasgow Green is going to see action from BMX Freestyle to Trials in 2023.

The McLennan Arch at Glasgow Green

Overview

The city’s oldest and arguably most loved city park, Glasgow Green is the perfect place to go for a walk, play, run, cycle or simply a space to relax! But, if you’re competing at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the ideal place to nail a 360° frontflip. 

For the first time ever this August, Glasgow Green will welcome the world’s best BMX Freestyle Park, BMX Flatland and Trials riders get together to compete for medals, entertain the masses and make even more history in Glasgow’s storied east end.

Glasgow Green

Glasgow Green, Greendyke St, Saltmarket.
Glasgow.
G1 5DB.

The great City of Glasgow needs no introduction… but the friendly folk of Scotland’s largest city will be sure to say hello!

Famous for its live music (Glasgow has been a UNESCO City of Music since 2008), striking architecture, marvellous museums and soon to be the bike, Glasgow becomes the epicentre for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, hosting 8 of the 13 World Championships.

Glasgow is the location of the Official Fan Area, with lots more fun, free, local activities inspired by the World Champs around the city, learn more about the city on the Glasgow Life website.

Glasgow Green Spectator Guide PDF 657 KB

Overview

Glasgow Green is located in the East End of the city centre. The venue is easily accessible by public transport, walking and cycling, so get those steps in, jump on your bike or hop on the bus or train. There is no spectator parking at the venue.

When planning your journey

  • Road traffic and travel updates are available on the Traffic Scotland website.
  • Public transport updates are available on the Traveline Scotland website and on the Traveline Scotland app.
  • You can also phone the Traffic Customer Care Line on
    0800 028 1414 for both road travel and public transport
    information.

Available modes

  • Rail
  • Cycle and walk
  • Bus

Rail

Glasgow Green is served by Bridgeton Station and Argyle Street Station – both 10 minutes walk from the venue. Both have frequent services to Glasgow Central and beyond.

For more information, visit National Rail or ScotRail.

Bus

Glasgow Green is well served by local buses. The closest bus stops are at Kent Street/Bain Street and Glasgow Green Football Centre – both 5-0 minutes walk to the venue. The stops are frequently served by multiple routes into Glasgow City Centre and beyond.

Bear in mind, there will be road closures in Glasgow City Centre and the West End beginning 4 until 8 August and again on 12 and 13 August that may impact local bus routes, so plan ahead.

For more information and to plan your journey, visit Traveline Scotland.

Walking and cycling

Walking is a great way to soak up the atmosphere during the Championships. From Glasgow City Centre, it takes around 25 minutes to walk to Glasgow Green.

Glasgow Green is less than a 10-minute cycle from Glasgow City Centre. Cycle hire (including e-bikes) is available through OVO bikes powered by Next bike with locations across Glasgow including next to Glasgow Green.

Secure Cycle Parking is available within Glasgow Green on the corner of Greendyke and Saltmarket (what3words///accent.rocks.moon).

This will be run by our event staff and will be open in line with the venue opening times, 60 minutes prior to session start.

Please note that no bikes are allowed on venue and should be left in the free-to-use, secure cycle park. Please remember to bring a lock to secure your bike. The secure cycle park is suitable for adaptive bikes.

Car

Travel by car should be avoided where possible. There will be road closures in Glasgow City Centre and the West End for the road races. Road closures begin 4 until 8 August and again on 12 and 13 August. There is also no parking available at the venue so we recommend using public transport, walking and cycling.

Accessible parking

Please note there is no dedicated Blue Badge parking at Glasgow Green, but there is parking provision for Blue Badge holders within the local area. These parking spaces are not bookable so will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day.

Please note that the Blue Badge parking provision on Greendyke St and surrounding areas may not be available on 8 August due to road closures for the Time Trial Road Race.

For information on your access needs, please contact accessibility@cyclingworldchamps.com.

Camper and camper vanning

Glasgow has a strict policy of no camping, caravanning and camper vanning within the city’s boundaries.

Please book a pitch on one of the many commercial camp sites outside the city and travel in using public transport.

Please read the Scottish Outdoor Access Code’s Guide to Responsible Camping in Scotland if you are planning to camp. Please book your campsite space in advance.

Hints & tips for your journey

Here’s our top travel tips to get you to Glasgow Green to enjoy the Championships:

  • Glasgow Green is easily accessible by public transport, walking and cycling so get those steps in, jump on your bike or hop on the bus or train. There is no general spectator parking at the venue.
  • There is no parking at Glasgow Green and road closures are planned within Glasgow City Centre, leave your car at home for a smoother journey.
  • Bear in mind, there will be road closures in Glasgow City Centre and the West End for the road races. Road closures begin 4 until 8 August and again on 12 and 13 August and they may impact bus routes and services. Please plan ahead.
  • If you are planning on driving into Glasgow at any point, please be aware that from June 1, 2023, a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) has come into force in Glasgow City Centre. All vehicles entering the city centre zone area will need to meet the less polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge. More information on this can be found on the Glasgow City Council website.

Entrance / Exit

  • The Main Spectator Entrance is to the north side of Glasgow Green on Greendyke Street, adjacent to Turnbull Street. There is a second entrance at the east end of the park for those arriving from Bridgeton Station.
  • The BMX Freestyle Park event is ticketed entry (5-7 August) and spectators will go through a security check at the entrance before having their ticket(s) scanned and validated.
  • Internet and mobile signal can sometimes be variable, so make sure you have your pdf digital tickets downloaded onto your phone before you arrive, or bring a printed copy with you.
  • On days with BMX Freestyle Flatland and/or Trials competition (8-12 August), spectators will only go through a security check at the entrance. There is no ticket check required as these are free-to-view events.

Venue opening & closing times

The venue will open 60 minutes prior to sessions starting.

Ticket office opening times (where applicable) are in line with the venue opening times shown above. Please note that the ticket office will be closed during Trials.

Spectator facilities on venue

You’ll see on our handy venue map (on page 13 of the Spectator Guide) that Glasgow Green is well-equipped for you to have a great day.

  • Public Toilets
  • Baby Changing
  • Accessible Toilets
  • Information Point
  • Food & Drink
  • Expo
  • Water Refill Points
  • Cycle Parking
  • Quiet Space
  • Merchandise (cashless)
  • Accessible Spectator Viewing

Please note, there is no baggage storage at the venue. We advise that you don’t bring luggage to the venue, though rucksacks no larger than 25 litres in volume and containing what you need for your day will be permitted.

Most of the above facilities are accessible.

Venue access Advice

The Accessible Spectator Entrance to the venue is located on the north side of Glasgow Green, on Greendyke St, adjacent to Lanark St. The other venue entrances are also accessible; however, this entrance provides a shorter distance to the accessible seating and main spectator area.

Accessible facilities

Accessible toilets

There are accessible toilets at various places within the spectator area and next to the accessible viewing platform. Please note there is no changing places toilet facilities or changing rooms available at Glasgow Green. However, you can find the nearest one on this Changing Places Toilet Map.

Quiet place

This can be found next to Nelson’s Monument, near the spectator area. This is also a multi-faith space.

Baby changing

Facilities can be found within the spectator area.

Assistance dog spending area

For those with assistance dogs, the dog spending area is located next to the Information Point in the spectator area.

 

Accessible seating

There is accessible seating next to the Trials field of play.

The medal ceremonies will take place next to the BMX Freestyle Park field of play.

What's the terrain like?

We have some top things to consider for the terrain of this event should you have an accessible need:

  • You’ll find hardstanding surfaces within Glasgow Green, with trackway added for access to concessions.
  • Some parts of the site are undulating, uneven and grassy.

What are the key distances to be aware of?

Please find below some helpful distances to support you getting between the key event areas:

  • Accessible spectator entrance ➡ Main spectator area (400m)
  • Accessible spectator entrance ➡ Accessible seating area (325m) 

Rest areas / quiet spaces

Should you require a rest there is a seating area within the general spectator area, to help break up your journey through Glasgow Green.

  • The Quiet Space is located next to Nelson’s Monument, within the spectator area.
  • There will be accessible needs volunteer staff to support you.

Reasonable adjustments

If you have any questions on any of the accessibility information included within this guide, or need to discuss your particular needs, please contact us at accessibility@cyclingworldchamps.com.

Fun Facts!

The word “Glasgow” means “Dear Green Place” in Gaelic. And there’s nowhere more dear or more green in the city than the 55 hectare Glasgow Green - just a short walk from the city centre.

It was 1450 when King James II granted the land to the public. Over the centuries, it’s been used for grazing, washing and bleaching linen, drying fishing nets, and swimming. And as of 2023, you can add BMX riding to the list!

Glasgow Green won the coveted Green Flag in 2011, recognising the park as a national benchmark for green space.

The People’s Palace is well worth a visit for learning about the history of the great city or just grabbing something to eat in between heats.

There’s plenty to see by bike, including National Cycle Route 75 (connecting Argyll to Edinburgh), the 143ft tall Nelson's Monument, St. Andrew's Suspension Bridge, McLennan Arch, plus monuments and fountains galore.

Upcoming events at this venue

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