With nearly 400 para-cyclists arriving in Huntsville for the 2026 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships, local officials are asking drivers to expect more bikes on the roads and give them room.
Team Great Britain joined Huntsville police and community partners at City Hall Wednesday morning to remind motorists what to expect ahead of the Sept. 4-7 competition.
Athletes from 49 countries will be in the Rocket City for the championships at Cummings Research Park.
The athletes are staying at hotels throughout Huntsville, so they will be traveling to the course from several parts of the city and training on roads outside the race route.
Sgt. Chris Jackson, the Huntsville Police Department’s public information officer, said drivers should keep the precautions simple.
“Slow down. Put the phone away. Look twice,” Jackson said. “Make sure you’re leaving plenty of following distance. And when you pass a cyclist, give them at least three feet — more when you can.”
The competition also will feature more than standard bicycles. Athletes will race on bicycles, tricycles, tandem cycles and handcycles.
Some handcycles ride very close to the pavement, making them harder for motorists to spot, particularly while turning or changing lanes.
“If you don’t have enough room to pass safely, wait,” Jackson said.
Alabama law already requires motorists to leave at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicycle in many situations. Police are encouraging drivers to give cyclists more space when possible.
Huntsville hosted a UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup in 2023. This year’s event will be the city’s first Para-cycling Road World Championships.
The championships begin with time trials Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4-5. Road races will follow Sunday and Monday, Sept. 6-7.
Officials say the road race days will offer the best opportunity for spectators. Admission is free.
Explorer Boulevard will be closed for much of the race weekend and will serve as the main race ring. Parking information and suggested viewing locations are available at huntsvilleparaworlds.com.
USA Cycling will field a 28-athlete team, including several world cup overall champions and reigning world champion Clara Brown.
Drivers who live or work near Cummings Research Park, or use connecting roads frequented by the teams, should expect increased bicycle traffic through next week.
Zachary Austin is a writer for 256 Today. You can contact him at [email protected].
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