Eastbourne’s “Glow Ride” calling for safer cycling for women and girls

Despite Storm Austen looming, 17 riders completed the ride in bright colours and lights on Thursday, October 22. Cycling UK started “Glow Rides” in 2025 to highlight that women are more affected by unsafe routes and poor behaviour.

Eastbourne’s Glow Ride was organised by Bespoke Cycle Group. Amongst the cyclists was Councillor Stephen Holt.

Cycling UK’s head of campaigns joined the ride. Prof Scarlett McNally, local surgeon who led the ride, said: “Far fewer women than men cycle. But active travel (walking, cycling and wheeling) has huge benefits for health and saves money. I cycle to work and don’t have a parking permit.

"This also reduces pollution, congestion and parking problems for everyone else. Where cycle routes are safer, far more women and children cycle.”

The ride took a gentle route through the Eastbourne D.G.H. hospital grounds, showing the passageway to Hampden Park station, the start of the Cuckoo trail, into Shinewater Park and the cycle route alongside Cross Levels Way with the underpass to town, finishing in the Rodmill pub. It was designed to show what is possible – and where simple measures and investment could make cycling much more possible for women and girls.

Last year, there were Glow Rides in 67 towns and cities across the UK — including, here in Eastbourne.

The riders are calling for better routes, better lighting, maintenance including clearing vegetation, and for drivers to give more space, time and respect.