The event aims to raise awareness of how cyclists, particularly women, can feel unsafe when riding after dark.

Now in its second year, the glow ride will see cyclists riding through Norwich, with their bikes and themselves decorated with lights and reflective materials.

It is part of Cycling UK’s national My Ride, Our Right campaign highlighting women’s safety while cycling.

Cyclists taking part in the 2025 Norwich Glow Ride (Image: Leah Spagatner)

Organisers say for many women, cycling after dark means they have to think even more carefully about routes, lighting, traffic and isolated areas, which can shape where, when or how they cycle – or even if they do at all.

Ian Small, regional cycling development officer for Cycling UK, said: “Last year’s inaugural Norwich Glow Ride was a huge success. It did so much to raise the issue of women’s safety.”

The Norwich ride is being organised by Bicycle Links, Women’s Cycling Safety Audit Norwich, Norwich Bike Repair Cooperative, Kidical Mass Norwich and Critical Mass Norwich, and supported by Eaton Park Community Association.

This year’s Norwich Glow Ride will take place on October 22 (Image: Leah Spagatner)

It will start at City Hall from 6pm on Thursday, October 22, with a welcoming speech and briefing at 6.30pm and the 45-minute ride through the city centre beginning at 6.45pm.

The ride, to which all cyclists are welcome to join, will finish at St Saviour’s Yard, where local businesses will be providing food and drink.

Corinne Ainsworth, from Bicycle Links, based in King Street, said: “The Glow Ride is a celebration and powerful statement that we proudly support. Coming together for one night to be as bright and visible as possible sends a strong message to decision-makers that we need to do better to create safer, more welcoming streets for all cyclists.”

Last year’s event also helped inspire the Women’s Cycling Safety Audit, which is gathering evidence about the barriers riders face when cycling in Norwich.

Kitty Cresswell Riol, who co-ordinates the audit, said: “We all have the right to move how, when and where we want within our city, safely. The Glow Ride is a call for safer streets for all, and for everyone to be able to move with freedom, not fear.”