Stevenage Glow Ride

More than 50 riders joined the Stevenage Glow Ride On Wednesday 22nd October.  We were in good company with over 60 rides taking place across the UK on the Cycling UK national night of action as part of the  ‘My ride. Our right’ campaign.

Communities  across the country, lit up the night and called for safer streets and better cycling infrastructure, especially for women riding after dark.

Why did we need a Glow Ride in Stevenage? Because even the best cycleway network is only as good as its weakest links - where things are not so great.

• The route went under an underpass on a key link to Old Town that has been dark for 4 years.
• We went on main cycleways that have no lighting themselves, where streetlights shine towards the road and headlights shine in our eyes.
• We used busy roads where there are no cycleways.
• We crossed Fairlands Valley Park in darkness. 

We were joined by Sarah McMonagle, Cycling UK External Affairs Director, officers from Hertfordshire County Council, councillors from Stevenage Borough Council and a representative from Beryl bikes. Our ride was covered by the BBC on radio and in this article.

A big thank you to our fabulous marshalling team who helped guide us safely and to everyone who joined the ride. Check the gallery below for more photos - thank you Loyd.

More campaigning events coming up:

• Wednesday 19th November 7.15pm onwards - Campaigns Social - Link
• Saturday 6th December 10am - 12noon - Residents Panel Meeting  - Link
• And don't forget the 2025 Cycling Survey - closes 31st October - Link

Finally something just for fun....
The Cycling UK Stevenage Christmas lights ride is on Saturday 21st December - Link

‘My ride. Our right’ 

We believe cycling should feel liberating, not intimidating. But sadly, that’s not the case for everyone.

Women make half as many trips by bike as men, and are more likely to be put off cycling by a fear of busy traffic.

Women shouldn’t feel forced to choose between a busy road and a dark isolated path. There should be a route that feels safe and welcoming.

This isn’t just about transport - it’s about equality, opportunity and giving more people the freedom to ride. 

Because when we make cycling safer for women, we make it safer for everyone