Taunton cyclists to stage night-time 'Glow Ride' in push for women's safety
The event forms part of a UK-wide campaign calling for safer cycling conditions
Cyclists in Taunton are preparing to stage a mass night-time ride before Hallowe'en, in a push for safer and more inclusive cycling infrastructure for women.
The Taunton Area Cycling Campaign is one of many groups taking part in UK-wide "glow rides" on 22nd October, as part of Cycling UK's "My Ride, Our Right" campaign.
The Taunton Glow Ride will begin and end at On Your Bike, near the town's railway station, and is open to all members of the local community, whether they've been cycling for years or have only just started.
Participants are being encouraged to wear vibrant clothing and bring glow sticks, as well as using their bike lights, to "shine a light on the barriers that can prevent women from cycling" and push for national improvements.
The "My Ride, Our Right" campaign highlights how concerns about safety, intimidating behaviour from drivers and inadequate cycling infrastructure can discourage women from cycling, particularly during darker evenings.
The campaign group and other organisers are calling for safer cycling conditions for women, along with greater investment in cycling routes that work for everyone.
A spokesperson for the Taunton Area Cycling Campaign said the ride was about more than just transport.
"We really look forward to welcoming people to our Glow Ride. It's a great opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy an evening cycle and shine a light on the changes needed to make cycling safer and more inclusive for women," they said.
"This isn't just about transport, it's about equality, opportunity and giving more people the freedom to ride."
The campaign group has been a key voice in pushing for improved walking and cycling links across Taunton, having been consulted on projects including the upgrade of junction 25 and the design of the Staplegrove urban extension.
People can sign up for the Taunton Glow Ride for free online, with the route provided to participants once they've registered.
The ride is not suitable for children, but the first 30 people to register will receive a free miniature cow bell to attach to their handlebars, along with a string of fairy lights.
Somerset Council's executive committee is expected to commit to delivering a number of active travel improvements across the county, including connections to the new Taunton transport hub, when it formally approves its local transport plan on Wednesday 7th October.