Cyclists get lit up for first GBG night ride
BICYCLES and their riders were lit up like Christmas trees for the Guernsey Bicycle Group’s inaugural night ride to highlight road safety.
About 25 cyclists turned out to unleash their creative sides and kitted their bikes out with colourful lights to compete for prizes provided by local businesses.
The categories consisted of the most visible person, best lit kid and most imaginatively-lit bike, which saw a cyclist decorate his bike with a lighthouse and Christmas tree and one group cycle on a custom four-seater bike.
‘It’s a fun way to show everyone the importance of staying bright and it’s friendly for the environment,’ said frequent cyclist Dominic Canty-Forrest.
Cyclists gathered at the Pony Inn for judging and prizegiving before heading off on an hour’s cycle around the lanes, returning for a meal at the end.
The ride was supposed to take place two weeks ago to commemorate Road Safety Week and World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
But it was postponed because of bad weather.
GBG was founded in 1995 to make cycling on island easier, safer and more accessible and as the winter nights have been drawing in, the focus has been on ensuring visibility to keep cyclists safe.
‘I find it mad seeing people cycling with no lights on, it’s extremely dangerous,’ said GBG committee member Ben Craddock.
Guernsey’s tight roads often pose safety concerns due to the lack of space and lighting, leaving unprotected bike riders at risk.
Dawn Sealey, said she cycles regularly with her children to and from Hautes Capelles School but was often worried when coming across traffic in the small lanes.
‘Some of the roads are horrible.’
To help islanders build confidence through these roads, GBG has run summer community rides for more than 10 years which attract 60-80 participants regularly.
The routes are designed for all abilities to encourage new cyclists to join, and increase the number of bikes on the roads.
‘We want to give people the confidence to cycle all year,’ said Mr Craddock.
After a successful first night ride, GBG is looking to keep them going throughout the winter to raise awareness.
