Lee Valley Velodrome Installs New Safety Barrier

Following a severe incident at the Lee Valley VeloPark during the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where cyclist Matt Walls was thrown into the crowd after a crash, the venue will install a 1.4-meter-high Perspex safety barrier. This £250,000 project, described as a UK first for an existing velodrome, aims to enhance safety for both riders and spectators, responding to calls for improved measures from notable figures like Sir Chris Hoy and Dame Laura Kenny. The barrier is part of a larger £750,000 upgrade that includes meeting rooms with trackside views, expected to be completed by the end of August. The crash resulted in multiple injuries, including a serious arm injury to a spectator, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols. The design of the barrier was developed in consultation with cycling's governing body, the UCI, to improve visibility and safety at the venue. None of the cyclists involved in the crash sustained major injuries, but the incident raised significant concerns about velodrome safety.