The Birkenhead Tunnel will be closed for one day in July for a major cycling event.

Cyclists from across Liverpool and the North West will ride through the Queensway Tunnel in the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool (LCL) Bike Ride on Sunday, July 3. The NSPCC was announced as the headline sponsor for the event, with thousands expected to take part.

The NSPCC relies on public donations for the majority of its funding, and money raised through the LCL Bike Ride will go directly to support campaigns and services in Liverpool

Alissa Koopal, Chief Executive Officer of Pennine Events, owners of the LCL Bike Ride said: “We’re delighted to announce the NSPCC as this year’s headline partner charity and can’t wait to see thousands of cyclists strap on their helmets and power up their pedals for such a fantastic cause.

“The LCL Bike Ride last year was one of the first mass participation events since the return of live events due to the pandemic and it was incredible. We can’t wait to do it all again this year with some exciting additions including a brand-new festival village at Chester FC.

"There are eight routes to choose from, so whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or looking for a family day out, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you know all the money raised will go to help children and young people here in the North West."

Founded in Liverpool over 135 years ago, the NSPCC works to protect children and prevent abuse in Merseyside and across the UK. Practitioners, volunteers and specially trained Childline counsellors based in Great Homer Street work with families and children across the region, as well as visiting schools and working with businesses in the area to help protect children in the area.

Throughout the pandemic, the NSPCC has developed new services to help families, campaigned to change laws, shared information about abuse and how to recognise it, and developed new tools to support children, parents, carers and professionals.

In recent months, the charity has teamed up with local authorities in Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral to launch the Look, Say, Sing, Play campaign, helping new parents across the region build stronger bonds with their babies. The charity has also launched its Pregnancy In Mind service in the area to support parents experiencing anxiety or depression during pregnancy.

Janette Drew, NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager for Cheshire, said: “We are so grateful to the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride for naming us their headline charity partner this year, and are looking forward to seeing everyone joining the ride to raise vital funds for the NSPCC’s work.

“The charity was founded in Liverpool, and our links here have never been stronger, with our Childline and helpline services operating from the Hargreaves Centre, and new campaigns and services supporting families across Merseyside including Look, Say, Sing, Play and Pregnancy In Mind. We rely on public donations for the majority of our funding, so every mile cycled in support of the NSPCC during this year’s ride will make a real difference to families across the North West.”

“This bike ride will be a fantastic family event, and open to cyclists of all abilities with routes from 5 miles to 100 miles and children under 15, taking part with their parents can sign up for free. Being able to cycle through the tunnel after it has been closed off to traffic will be a really special treat, and we can’t wait to see riders out there enjoying themselves for a good cause.”

To find out more about the LCL Bike Ride, go to www.liverpoolchesterliverpool.com, or visit the NSPCC website.

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/birkenhead-tunnel-close-major-cycling-23945342