Glow Ride Lights Up Bangor in Support of Safer Cycling For All
Released: Monday 18 May 2026
Ards and North Down Borough Council was delighted to support the Glow Ride event in Bangor on Wednesday 13 May.
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The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum alongside PSNI, participants and organisers of the Glow Ride
ANDBC Glow ride Event
Over 60 women, men and children gathered at City Hall for a friendly, family cycle around the city. The event, supported by two female PSNI officers, provided a safe and welcoming experience for all participants.
Part of Cycling UK's #MyRideOurRight campaign, Glow Rides are lighting up streets across the UK to promote safer cycling and highlight women's right to feel safe when moving around their communities. Participants were welcomed back to Bangor Castle by the Mayor, Councillor Gillian McCollum, for a reception to celebrate the event.
While cycling should be enjoyable, healthy and freeing, many women and girls still face barriers due to concerns around road safety, isolation and personal security. The Glow Ride supports wider work across Ards and North Down to address Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) by helping to create safer public spaces and build confidence in active travel.
Women make fewer journeys by bike than men and are more likely to be discouraged by busy traffic, poor infrastructure and isolated routes. Improving safety and accessibility is key to increasing participation.
Everyone deserves access to safe, connected and welcoming routes - not only for transport, but for equality, wellbeing and freedom. By making cycling safer for women and girls, more people can benefit from active travel and its many physical, mental and social benefits.
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:
"It was wonderful to see so many people of all ages take part in the Glow Ride and enjoy a safe and supportive cycling experience around Bangor.
Events such as this play an important role in encouraging more people, particularly women and girls, to feel confident using our shared spaces. By working together with our partners, we can continue to promote safer, more inclusive environments and support healthier, more active communities."
The event was organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with Ards and North Down Cycling Campaign and Cycling UK.
Photo Caption: The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum alongside PSNI, participants and organisers of the Glow Ride.
Photo Credit - Ricky Parker Photography
