City of London Nocturne launches e-bike challenge to tackle safety concerns

The City of London Nocturne has launched a new Voi Bike Challenge featuring celebrity riders and obstacles, aiming to highlight e-bike safety as usage continues to rise across London.

The City of London Nocturne is bringing theatre to cycling in a bid to tackle a lack of e-bike safety in the capital. In recent years, the number of e-bikes has increased tenfold in London, with the everyday commuter jumping on two wheels to reach the office and their friends in what is a sustainable and active transport solution.

However, the emergence of the mode of transport has led to a spike in concern around safe riding on the streets, with broken bikes left on corners and red lights being run. City of London Nocturne organiser James Pope now hopes to combat those issues with the brand-new Voi Bike Challenge at the upcoming Nocturne event, turning the everyday cycle into a dramatic race against the clock.

“Some of the challenges that everybody’s aware of with these e-bikes is responsible riding, with people just riding one-handed on their phone, and then parking the bikes,” he said. “You often see that there is just a massive kind of clutter of bikes and safety is a key concern for these operators and for stakeholders.

“I came up with the unique idea where we would weave that into the format of a race. So even though it is a race, the riders have to have to follow the rules and ride responsibly, otherwise they will get penalties. We are weaving in different obstacles to get that narrative and create a bit of theatre.”

The Voi Bike Challenge will see approximately 25 racers, and some celebrity guests, complete five laps of the Nocturne track, with a twist. Participants must run to a bike and unlock it with the Voi app, adhering to the rules of the road throughout the race, including all red lights, junctions, and pedestrian actors, unless they want a disqualification.

The first person to park their bike back in the designated parking area and take a photo using the app will be declared the winner and win a hefty prize in a race that invites drama.

“The City of London Nocturne is a celebration of cycling in all its forms,” added Pope. “Obviously we want the pros racing, but we always try and have these fun races, which appeals outside of your hardcore cycling fans, so the Brompton Folding Bike, the Penny Farthing Race and now the Voi Bike Challenge.

“Particularly over the last few years, the e-bike cycle hire has become part and parcel of the London cycling and transport culture, so it seemed to me like a bit of a no-brainer that we did a race.”

Voi is the newest electric bike operator to arrive on the scene in London, and their distinctive red e-bikes are appearing in more and more boroughs. The Swedish company has been transforming urban transport since 2018 and deployed their latest bike technology in 2026, with two models of bike available, including a smaller frame designed for women and older riders.

With a speedometer on the front and the ability to warn riders if they break the laws of the road, Voi is transforming what it means to ride responsibly in the British capital and Pope is thrilled to have them on board for a race that is sure to change perceptions.

“Voi Bikes are the new kid on the block in London and we are really excited to have partnered with them on this,” he said. “They are leading the way in e-bike safety, and I think the other operators are going to have to play catch-up, so that is what makes them different.”

“Being a responsible e-bike operator means actively championing the riding habits that make streets better for everyone, and sponsoring Nocturne is part of that. It’s a chance to celebrate cycling in the City of London and remind people that the basics still matter: stop at red lights, ride on the road not the pavement, and park your vehicle so it works for the people around you. Good habits on two wheels make cities better for all of us, and events like Nocturne are a brilliant reminder of that” – Harry Foskin, Senior Public Policy Manager

The event is free to attend. To check the full race schedule go to www.racenocturne.com