Glow Ride 2021

By Michelle Both

With lit-up eyeballs, skull lights and strobes, this year’s Glow Ride put family-fun and cyclist visibility at the forefront.

London Cycle Link’s annual event was held on Saturday, Oct.16 and attracted over 60 cyclists, a number organizers have seen grow in the last few years. Toddlers on cargo bikes and six-year-olds riding solo were among the cyclists who rode their decorated bicycles together through London’s core.

“We’re really about visibility,” said Mateus Butterwick, program coordinator at London Cycle Link. He hopes the Glow Ride will raise awareness about the possibilities of cycling in London and encourage safe and fun cycling amidst pandemic restrictions. “I think it’s great to let people know we’re here, to show people that we’re a group that wants to plan fun events for people and raise awareness that you can cycle in London,“ he said.

Siblings Oscar, 11, and Norah, 12, were back this year for their fifth annual Glow Ride. For Oscar it’s the people, music and community that keep him returning for more. “There’s a lot more kids now than other years,” he said. Nora is glad to be back as the fun, lights and fresh air are “good for so many reasons.” Not even a broken ankle could stop her from attending in the past; one year, she rode the route in a bicycle trailer.

“People are really looking forward to group events right now,” said Molly Miksa, executive director of London Cycle Link. “It’s always neat to see what people do and come up with. Seeing the line of people lit up at night is pretty great.” The trail of twinkling lights could been seen at a distance, flashing with colourful lights through streets, parks and trails.

Miksa said the ride also encourages people who are hesitant about riding their bikes to join in a safe environment, which adds to developing a sense of confidence among cyclists. Glow Rides are a growing trend among cyclist communities, as similar events have taken place across Ontario in cities such as Guelph, Windsor, Hamilton and St. Catharines.

The Glow Ride in London had two routes for cyclists to choose – 9km or 14km. Both groups started at Ivey Park and headed together to Victoria Park before parting ways. The shorter route travelled north on Waterloo Street, while the longer route headed east to Mornington Park. Both groups crossed west to Gibbons Park before returning to Ivey Park on the Thames Valley Parkway.

“It’s family-friendly; it’s slow moving; it’s fun; it’s relaxed. All those things build community, and from there you build out towards advocacy,” Miksa said. The Glow Ride works toward London Cycle Link’s broad goal – to see more Londoners ride more often, said Miksa. She sees the event as part of building a thriving bike community “that anyone can easily join and be a part of.”