On a cold but clear Thursday evening at 6pm on 22^nd October, around 60 cyclists set off from the city’s Moor Park in solidarity with Cycling UK’s national campaign for safer cycling, raising awareness of the importance of bein able to cycle safely after dark, particularly for women and highlighting the general need for better infrastructure for cycling in the city.  

‘Glow Ride’ is in its second year and is an initiative from Cycling UK that draws attention to the importance of making cycling safer for everyone, especially for women cycling after dark. We were so lucky to once again have national Cycling UK Glow Ride campaign manager, Connor Caskell, on the ride, as well as Laura Howarth Regional Cycling UK for Lancs both riding Preston Pedals bikes from the Hub.   

This easy going group ride took us about 4 miles through Moor Park, St Paul’s Road, passing the iconic Preston Bus Station and the Vault Youth Zone, stopping briefly to regroup at the Flag Market in front of the Harris Museum, on down Fishergate Hill and around Winckley Square passing the historic house where Edith Rigby used to live. It was then on to the train station and Preston Pedals Cycle Hub for a quick refreshment stop and a chat.

What a sight after dark with all the amazing lit up bicycles!!  People had really gone to town on the lights, dressing their bikes with Christmas lights, some Halloween lights, generally lighting up the night. The group of cyclists that included several children, certainly made an impression as we rode through the streets of Preston.  The route highlighted the need to design better junctions and for more cycle lanes in the city that link up and provide safe infrastructure that would encourage more people to choose cycling as transport.

The Glow Ride was coordinated by our ride programme lead, Joanne Westwood and on the night she was ably assisted by experienced ride leaders Stu and Dan who were able to help people navigate some tricky junctions, which was really needed. Several of the Spin Buddies were also on hand to help keep the group of cyclists together as we road through the city. 

This event was kindly supported by the Active Travel Team in Lancashire County Council.  

Photos by Daniel McCullough, other participants and Susie Knowles who captured the spectacle and positive vibe on the night so well.