Cyclists are set to light up Worcester in a glowing protest ride calling for safer streets and better cycling infrastructure.
The Glow Ride, organised by community group Bike Worcester, will take place on Thursday, October 22, as part of Cycling UK’s national “My ride. Our right” campaign.
The ride aims to highlight how poor lighting and fragmented routes disproportionately affect women after dark.
Leisa Taylor, a member of Bike Worcester, said: “When darkness falls, cycling shouldn’t feel like an act of bravery.
“For women in particular, the choice between dark, unlit riverside paths or busy, multi-lane roads means many simply hang up their bikes (and running shoes) for the winter.
“We urgently need connected, well-lit, protected routes across Worcester so that active travel is a safe, realistic choice at all hours.”
Riders will gather at Cathedral Square from 8pm, decorating their bikes with fairy lights, neon, and high-visibility gear.
The event is designed to be family-friendly and accessible to cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Ms Taylor said: “The Glow Ride is a celebration of cycling, but it carries a clear call to council leaders: remove the barriers, light our routes, and build a modern sustainable city that works for everyone.”
The ride also draws attention to Worcester’s ongoing debate over city centre cycling access.
Currently, a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) bans cyclists from using the pedestrianised High Street between 10am and 6pm.
Bike Worcester has argued that the restriction cuts off safe north-south routes through the city, pushing people on bikes onto intimidating ring roads.
Ms Taylor said: “This issue is compounded by Worcester’s daytime High Street TRO.
“Banning people on bikes from our wide pedestrianised streets doesn’t make the city safer—it severs key routes and pushes riders directly into hostile traffic.
“We want to see modern, sensible ‘Share with Care’ schemes like those operating successfully in other historic cities.”
The Glow Ride will set off at 8.15pm, looping around the city centre at a slow pace.
Participants are encouraged to bring bike lights, glow sticks, fairy lights and bright clothing.
To find out more or register interest, visit Cycling UK or follow Bike Worcester on social media.
