Glossop Glow Ride shines through Storm Boelo

Glossop’s first Glow Ride brought 19 riders onto the town’s streets on Saturday evening, undeterred by the wind and rain brought by Storm Boelo.

Organised by local riders Lynne Taylor of Global Therapies and Catherine Cleary, the event celebrated cycling and highlighted the need for safer, more welcoming streets for everyone. 

From a cargo bike and unicycle to a young rider on a balance bike, alongside road and mountain bikes, the colourful group lit up Glossop town centre with bike lights and bright clothing. 

The ride formed part of Cycling UK’s nationwide My Ride. Our Right campaign, which calls for safer cycling conditions and better infrastructure to help more people choose cycling for everyday journeys. 

Despite the weather, spirits remained high. Afterwards, participants headed to Glossop Market Hall to warm up and enjoy local hospitality. The organisers were particularly encouraged by how many riders were already asking: “When’s the next ride?” 

A big thank you 

The organisers would like to thank everyone who took part and the drivers who waited patiently and waved as the group made its way around town. Their courtesy helped make the ride a positive experience for everyone. 

Lynne Taylor, co-organiser of the Glossop Glow Ride, said: 

“Storm Boelo certainly gave us a challenge, but it didn’t dampen our spirits! It was wonderful to see such a variety of bikes and riders taking part. 

“What really made the evening was the atmosphere. People were smiling, supporting one another and enjoying being out on their bikes. The fact that so many were asking when we could do it again is a fantastic sign. 

“Cycling should be something people can enjoy without feeling they have to be particularly brave or experienced. We want people of all ages and confidence levels to feel able to get around Glossop by bike.” 

Turning plans into action 

The ride also highlighted the need to turn existing active-travel plans into practical improvements for Glossop. 

Sustrans has undertaken feasibility work on potential route improvements, while Derbyshire County Council’s Active Travel Masterplan, developed by AECOM with input from local representatives, community groups and Glossop Action for Sustainable Travel (GAST), identifies opportunities to improve walking, wheeling and cycling across the town. The Masterplan was adopted in January 2025. 

The organisers are calling on Derbyshire County Council Highways to prioritise road safety for people walking, wheeling and cycling, and on Derbyshire County Council and East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to identify and secure funding to progress the Masterplan. 

Lynne said: 

“The Glow Ride was a small event with a big message: people want to enjoy cycling, and they want streets that help them do it safely. We hope decision-makers will listen and help turn that enthusiasm into lasting improvements for Glossop.” 

The Glow Ride may have lasted less than an hour, but its message is clear: Glossop needs safer, more inclusive streets, and there is a community ready to support that change.