News / cycling
Cyclists light up streets of Bristol
Dozens of cyclists rode blinged-up bikes and rang bells around the streets of Bristol to advocate for women’s right to cycle safely.
Like a neon swarm of bees, around 40 women and gender minorities wove their way from Queen Square around the docks to end in Castle Park.
“The more people that cycle, the safer our cities are and the better it is for everyone,” said Katie Moss from Bristol Cycling Campaign who was addressing a crowd awash with colour and light.
The “glow ride” was part of Cycling UK initiative called ‘My Ride, Our Right’ which aims to remove barriers that prevent many women from cycling, including concerns about safety on roads and poor infrastructure.
Cycling UK found nationally more than half of women believed their cycle journeys were limited by safety concerns and a lack of suitable infrastructure.
The aim of the ride was to improve attitudes towards cyclists, especially women, and advocate for better infrastructure in Bristol and beyond
Speaking to Bristol24/7 before the critical mass set off, Moss told Bristol24/7: “It’s amazing to see the turnout tonight, especially in the rain.
“We are all here to share the same message: we want safer streets for everyone, but today it’s particularly about women after dark.”
Rosie Wilson, founder of women’s cycling club Lunar Cycles, added: “It feels so powerful to have this many women and people identifying as part of a gender minority coming together this evening.
“It really shows how many of us are angry at the state of cycling after dark and the injustice of the current situation.
“We have just as much right to safe, enjoyable cycling after dark as men do, and shouldn’t have to take longer or busier routes just to get home safely.
“I hope this ride will demonstrate that we can’t wait any longer to make cycling safer for women, gender and ethnic minorities, and also that it builds our community, making us safer and stronger together.”
Bikes were adorned with fairy lights and glow sticks to demonstrate the need for improved public street lighting along cycle paths
Taking place on Friday, the event was part of a national campaign by Cycling UK and coincided with similar rides across the country
The beginning of the event saw speeches from local cycling organisations including Lunar Cycles and Bristol Cycling Campaign
Their aim was to light up the area and call for safer streets and better cycling infrastructure, especially for women riding after dark
All photos: Rob Browne
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