On Saturday 14th December 2024, 223 MK residents dressed as Santa rallied at Station Square and set off on a cycle ride through Central Milton Keynes to Campbell Park and back. This turnout beat the previous record of 135 set last year.
As well as creating fun (see Adekunle’s video), the ride drew Council attention to the lack of real ‘redway’ cycle lanes in the city centre, forcing cyclists to cycle either on the road or through busy car parking areas. The ride was reported on ITV Anglia News, including the Council’s pledge to keep listening to feedback from local people.
The ride was launched in Station Square by drum beats from Panacea Samba and MK’s own Santa Claus (actor David Lovesy)
There were speeches from the MK Mayor and MK’s Bicycling Youth Mayor. Mayor Marie Bradburn (below left) said: “We all know of the environmental benefits of cycling. Now we need to break down the barriers that prevent people from cycling in MK. That’s why I’ve made this the Mayor’s Year of Cycling.”
Cody Jackson, Bicycling Youth Mayor (above right), said: “MK is famous for its redways, but they pretty much stop in CMK, where there’s only about 500 metres of redway. This isn’t enough to encourage young people to cycle here. If the Council wants to meet its goal of getting more people cycling, there need to be more safe cycle routes in the city centre.”
The Mayor presented cycling awards and prizes for biggest groups of club riders and schools,
- Top Cycling Santa Club, Runner up – Broughton Cycling Club (22 registered cyclists) – £25 voucher in bike store, donated by Madison Cycles
- Top Cycling Santa Club, Winner – MK BMX Club (25 registered cyclists) – £50 voucher in bike store, donated by Madison Cycles
- Top Cycling Santa School, Runner up – Two Mile Ash School (13 registered cyclists) – £25 voucher in bike store, donated by Madison Cycles
- Top Cycling Santa School, 1st place – Cold Harbour Primary School (16 registered cyclists) – £100 voucher in bike store, donated by Madison
- Best Blinged Bike (3rd place) – Limited edition Quality Street chocolates, donated by John LewisBest
- Blinged Bike (2nd place) – £10 voucher donated by John Lewis
- Best Blinged Bike (1st place) – Knog 600 lumen cycle lights, donated by Madison Cycles.
The Cycling Santas then set off on their way through CMK (route).
Then it was across to the MK Rose
and round a few times before returning back to the Square.
Then there were free mince pies and oranges for everyone from the Mayor at the end.
Thanks to Lime Bikes and Santander for providing 25 and 16 free bike hires respectively.
Cones and area marking tape were provided as usual by Ringway.
Staging and amplification provided by Bob Adams.
Photos by Jane Russell Photography, unless otherwise indicated.
Other cool photos:
For further information, contact tom.bulman@cyclingmk.org, 07962 838685.