Bringing a Glow to Newbury: Cyclists Unite for Safer Streets

Newbury Town Centre lit up in a blaze of colour and camaraderie as riders from three local clubs joined forces for the nationwide “Glow Ride,” calling for safer, more inclusive cycling for all.

With such a strong and active ladies’ group within our club, NRC Chair, Lorraine Murrell, was determined to support Cycling UK’s ‘My Ride, Our Right’ campaign this year. It highlights the need for safer streets and better cycling infrastructure, particularly for women who often feel forced to choose between busy main roads or dark, isolated paths once the evenings draw in.

60 towns and cities across the UK took to the evening streets in a mass ‘Glow Ride’ to spread light, colour and friendship into our communities, ignoring the rain and the cold brought in by storm Benjamin.

Newbury Road Club joined forces with Newbury Velo and West Berkshire Spokes to represent the entire county of Berkshire. 47 excited riders gathered in Newbury’s Market Square with bikes and clothing covered in lights, ready to make their mark on the town.

After a safety briefing by Cassie Friend, who co-ordinated the ride, the cyclists were set on their way by Councillor Stephanie Steevenson, Vice Chairman of West Berkshire Council.  Lots of volunteers from the clubs provided marshals and other support around the four-mile course to keep the riders and public safe, despite the pouring rain.

Some of the riders had moving and inspiring stories to tell, as we enjoyed welcome hot drinks and cakes supplied by the kind team at Berkshire Youth. Two friends who took to Tandem Cycling after one suffered a serious brain injury and needed help to get back to a healthy outdoor life. Another who wanted to follow the ‘Couch to 50k’ program and needed the support of our club to build the confidence to start riding a bike and take to the open road.

Everyone agreed that cycling should be equally open to women and men as a means of transport for school, work or leisure and we need the infrastructure to make this possible, safely. Working together as a group of clubs we have helped to encourage more women out to enjoy our beautiful countryside and the companionship of cycling.

Find out more about the CyclingUK campaign at: https://www.cyclinguk.org/my-ride-our-right

#myrideourright #glowride

With thanks to Trevor Francis for the words, video and a great edit.

And to Gareth Davies for the images, and to his son Rhys for some great footage!