Cycling Santas '25 bring joy and safety in numbers

Following the success of last year's record-breaking Cycling Santas 2024 event (see photo story), this year's parade set off in bright sunshine for a community ride to The MK Rose and back. As there is no redway route for cyclists through CMK, this year's route took the longer route around neighbouring estates.

Before the riders set off from Station Square, they were treated to a rousing hohoho from MK's real Santa Claus. Then Cycling Citizens co-chair Ann Shrimpton introduced Ian Revell of MK Community Foundation and MK's own Baroness Limb, recently appointed to the House of Lords. 

Baroness Limb said: "We love our redways in MK but they run out in central MK. By showing up today we are showing we love cycling and need more safe cycle routes in the city centre."

MK Mayor James Lancaster received the message and presented the following cycling awards and prizes:

o   School with most riders – Two Mile Ash School (12 riders) - a £50 voucher from Madison Cycles.

o   Organisation with most riders - MK BMX Club (15 riders) - £50 voucher from Madison.

o   Best Blinged Bike - Chris Bridgman of Bridgman & Bridgman Landscapes - £50 voucher from Madison.

o   Love To Ride prize draw - Jen Lewis - a bottle of best champagne from John Lewis (no relation!).

All winners also received a goody bag of cycle accessories from Decathlon.

Over 200 cycling santas then set off for The MK Rose in Campbell Park, returning an hour later to enjoy the MK Brass Band and free mince pies and satsumas courtesy of Santander Cycles, who also provided 30 free hire bikes and sponsored the stage and sound. Along with free bike repairs from Cycle Saviours there was free security stamping provided by Thames Valley Police.

Then it was off again on part two of the ride, heading south along the V6 redway to Stadium MK for the Dons v Cambridge match, with complimentary tickets from MK Dons FC. MKFM Radio were there to give a warm welcome and interview Ann Shrimpton, Co-chair of Cycling Citizens MK. See interview here.

Riders from Corporate Supporters - Broughton Cycling Group at the Stadium

Ringway Infrastructure Services provided temporary road closures to ensure the redway safety of the cycling santas at road junctions in Winterhill.

"It's been a brilliant day for MK partnership," she said. "It seems everyone enjoyed it, including the hundreds of residents and road users who clapped and honked as we went by. It was a popular spectacle, as ever. Next year, let's make it even bigger and better."

Route here

Photo gallery below (JAR Photo).