150 Santa Clauses will rally in Station Square to cycle through the city centre for mince pies at Campbell Park.
After two years of trials organised by Cycling CitizensMK, this will be a rehearsal for a World Record attempt next year. Santa suits and Tier bikes can be borrowed (register now online at ‘Cycling Santas MK’).
Following samba drumming and free bike repairs from Cycle Saviours, the Cycling Santas will be welcomed by the High Sheriff, Deputy-Mayor and two Council Cabinet Members, before setting off up Midsummer Boulevard on Saturday 16th December.
A 2,500-pupil survey by Cycling CitizensMK last year showed 40% of 11–12-year-olds who live within a 15-min cycle ride are being driven to school, and 56% don’t do the Government-recommended one hour of physical exercise each day.
Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children & Families, will say: “We know travelling actively to school makes a big difference to children’s health and wellbeing. Last year MK Council delivered Bikeability Training to 35% of all 9-11-year-olds and we’re doing all we can to increase it to 60% this year. I pledge to work with our schools to find ways we can work together with the Cycling Citizens alliance to achieve this goal, and get to 80% by 2025.”
Dame Ann Limb, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, will say: “I am totally behind MK Council’s ambition to find ways to get more children cycling to school. Walking and cycling are good for people, places, and the planet which is at the heart of my sustainability focus as High Sheriff.”
Cllr Emily Darlington, Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing & Healthy Communities, will say: “Research shows active travel leads to longer, healthier lives. I pledge to do all I can to help MK City Council make walking and cycling easier and more attractive to MK residents.”
Deputy-Mayor Marie Bradburn will say: “I pledge to support for the project in my mayoral year (from May 2024).”
Ian Revell, CEO of MK Community Foundation, will say: “Our Vital Signs research shows CO2 emissions to be too high in MK. If more of us cycle whenever we can instead of driving, the city air will be cleaner, people will be healthier, and the cost of living will be less.”
The real Santa Claus, aka actor David Lovesy, will say “Ho ho ho” and encourage everyone to do the same as the riders head up Midsummer Boulevard.
