Lee Valley VeloPark in London is set to enhance safety with the installation of a perspex barrier following a severe crash at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The accident, involving several riders including England’s Matt Walls, saw Walls catapulted over the track and into the crowd, resulting in injuries to both cyclists and spectators.
In response to the incident and calls for improved safety from cycling legends Sir Chris Hoy and Dame Laura Kenny, Lee Valley will add a 1.4 metre-high barrier around the velodrome. The installation, costing Β£250,000, is a UK first for an existing velodrome and only the third of its kind globally to be retrofitted.
The barrier will enhance both rider and spectator safety and improve visibility for fans at lower levels, thanks to its transparent design. The project is part of a broader Β£750,000 upgrade to the venue, which is expected to be completed by the end of August.
Following the crash, which occurred on the final lap of a men’s scratch race qualifying heat, Walls, Matt Bostock from the Isle of Man, and Canada’s Derek Gee were hospitalized. While none sustained major injuries, some spectators required medical attention, with one undergoing surgery for a serious arm injury.
Lee Valley’s proactive measures aim to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure a safer experience for everyone involved. π§π§
