Local schoolkids ask council leader to join them on festive bike ride.
Children from two primary schools cycled to the Civic Offices in Central Milton Keynes this morning with an invitation to Council leader Pete Marland: join our Cycling Santas ride with 500 other people next week.
The pupils, from Two Mile Ash and Cold Harbour schools, began by thanking Cllr Marland and the deputy leader, Cllr Lauren Townsend, for their work in helping to increase Bikeability training in schools across Milton Keynes. And they wanted the leader’s support when they run their family ride event on Saturday 13th December.
“This year nearly all of our Year 6 learned to cycle on Redways and roads, and got our Bikeability Level 2 award,” said one pupil from Cold Harbour.
“This year we did Bike Bus every Friday from March to the end of October. Altogether, more than 50 children and 20 parents took part,” added another from Two Mile Ash.
The Cycling Santas event aims to double last year's participation to 500 cyclists. The family-friendly ride will start at MK’s Station Square at 10.30am, featuring free Dr Bike services from 9am, a scenic route around the city centre to Stadium MK, and complimentary MK Dons match tickets for all registered participants.
The event has been made possible through the support of key sponsors Santander Cycles, Decathlon, Ringway, MKFM Radio and Milton Keynes Dons FC, who are providing refreshments, discounts, prizes, support and tickets to the home game against Cambridge United.
“The Cycling Santas ride is always a highlight of our year, bringing together families and cycling enthusiasts to celebrate cycling in MK,” said Ann Shrimpton, co-chair of Cycling Citizens MK.
“This year, we're not just riding for festive fun – with 500 Santas on bikes, we'll certainly be highlighting the need for safe cycling infrastructure that works for everyone.”
The ride is suitable for all ages and cycling abilities. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly and brightly in festive attire, and to bring waterproofs in case of winter weather. Free registration is available at: www.cyclingmk.org.
The event aims to demonstrate strong community support for cycling while advocating for improved urban cycling infrastructure, particularly safer routes through Milton Keynes city centre.
Cllr Marland accepted the schoolchildren’s request, saying: “We’re delighted that together we’ve achieved a city-wide increase of 40% achieving Bikeability Level 2 compared with last year. Of course I’ll join your Cycling Santas celebration next Saturday.”
