Penny-farthing lights up Farnham's first Glow Ride for safer cycle routes

An illuminated penny-farthing was among the unusual sights on Farnham's streets as cyclists lit up the town to call for safer routes for women and children.

Families decorated their bicycles with lights for Farnham's first Glow Ride on Thursday, October 22, joining around 90 similar events taking place across the country.

Organised by Farnham Cycle Campaign (FCC), the event aimed to highlight the need for better lighting and more off-road cycle tracks to make cycling safer, particularly for families with young children.

Parents and children gathered outside William Cobbett School before setting off along the Scholars Greenway cycle route to Potters Gate School, two miles away.

Among those taking part was Mark from Domexbikes, who attracted attention with his illuminated penny-farthing.

The group also passed roadworks on Weybourne Road, where the cycle track remains open despite ongoing closures.

Peter Goodman, from Farnham Cycle Campaign, said the event had been such a success that organisers were already planning another Glow Ride next October.

"Everyone taking part enjoyed the event and so we have decided to run another Glow Ride next October for adults and children," he said.

He also welcomed the participation of Ben Bristow, an elected Liberal Democrat councillor for South Farnham on the new West Surrey Council, which takes over local government responsibilities in April.

"His interest in transport issues, not just driving, really gives us hope that we might start to get some new cycle tracks built by the council in Farnham in the near future," Mr Goodman said.

He added that the only sections of cycle track upgraded recently had been built by housing developers as part of their planning agreements.

The campaign group hopes the event will encourage greater investment in safe cycling routes across Farnham, particularly those connecting residential areas with schools and the town centre.