The Glow Ride was organised by Cycling UK and the Cowley Road Condors Cycling Club, and aimed to raise awareness of women’s safety when riding, especially at night.

On Wednesday, October 22, the riders adorned themselves with fairy lights, glow sticks, neon and even a disco ball, and completed a seven-mile loop around the city centre.

The event was part of Cycling UK’s My Ride, Our Right campaign, which focuses on the need for safer routes and fewer barriers to cycling for women.

While the event was women-led, it was open to all, with riders of all ages and genders cycling from Manzil Way, around Donnington Bridge, through Hinksey and looping around the city centre.

Riders from City Angels, Joyriders, Isis Cyclists, RunTribe Oxford and Cyclox also joined the fun, riding out in small groups with allocated ride leaders.

Steve Avery, a lifetime Condors member, also volunteered to provide mechanical support at the start.

Ruth Prior, women’s officer for the Cowley Road Condors, who organised the event, said: “The Condors are proud to be part of the Cycling UK Glow Ride.

“Over 70 cyclists were able to highlight the need for safer streets and cycle routes in Oxford – the cycling city.

“We rang our bells, shone bright and hopefully raised some awareness, as we could not be missed.”

Oxford’s Glow Ride was part of a nationwide campaign from Cycling UK, with 60 simultaneous events across the country, and had a particularly strong turnout, with cyclists aged five to 80 taking part.

One of the participants, Graham Bonner, 66, said: “That was a really enjoyable evening, even if I did get home at midnight, a little cold and wet.

“It was nice to see so many happy and enthusiastic people.”

The event brought together a range of organisations that support women’s cycling.

The Joyriders and Isis Cyclists clubs have been organising women’s rides in the city since 2021 and 2008 respectively, while Cyclox, a campaign group for better cycling infrastructure, has been active in Oxford since 2003.

Condors president, Peter Fifield, said: “Oxford’s ‘cycling city’ boast is made real with events like this, where the many cycling groups of the city can unite leisure riders, commuters and utility cyclists.

“More people riding together makes for a better community and a safer, friendlier city for women riders.”

The Condors run a wide range of rides every weekend and throughout the week.

To find out more and join a test ride for free, visit the Cowley Road Condors website.