Despite closing Horse Guards Road to motor vehicles, the Royal Parks have created an alternative route for cyclists.
Horse Guards Road is currently closed for construction of a stadium for the FIVB Beach Volleyball International tournament. But the Royal Parks have fenced off the footway on the west (park) side of the road for cyclists' use. Pedestrians meanwhile are directed along a path inside the park.
The road will remain closed to general traffic until 27th August. It is possible that the cycle route will have to be closed for the actual tournament, but it is likely to remain open during the construction and dismantling phases.
The beach volleyball tournament is effectively a rehearsal for next year's Olympic Games. The closure of Horse Guards Road is a taste of things to come, but also a helpful precedent.