HUNDREDS of people saddled up to show support for a greener way of getting around Winchester.
Cyclists from across the district filled the city's streets with bikes on the morning of Saturday, October 1 when Cycle Winchester, a local community organisation campaigning to make Winchester 'better by bike', organised a sixth Mass Ride.
Some 250 riders joined from five pick-up points across the city, converging on the central one-way system for a processional lap to a backing of bike bells and music, finishing at Abbey Gardens for a post-ride get-together.
New this year, residents in Twyford and Colden Common organised their own feeder rides which met the main Mass Ride in Winchester shortly before the 10am start time.
With more than 15,000 views on Twitter, a video of the carnival atmosphere was widely shared and drew praise from cyclists the length and breadth of the country, and even as far away as Winchester's namesake in Massachusetts.
John Arthur of Cycle Winchester said that while Winchester may lag "far behind" other places in the quality of its cycling infrastructure, the day showed it lacks nothing in the strength of support for the changes needed to get more people using bikes.
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He added: "Although the aim is to have fun together in a big group, the underlying message is that until we see radical changes in the allocation of road space, riding a bike alone on the city streets will be more about fear than fun."
Speaking to cyclists afterwards in Abbey Gardens, Cllr Martin Tod, who joined the ride, revealed Winchester is aiming to be one of just four bids chosen for a mini-Holland scheme, designed to make individual neighbourhoods safer and more attractive for those wanting to use a bike.
Cllr Jan Warwick assured the crowd that the county and city authorities were united in their determination to transform city transport.
Asked to describe what success would look like in three years' time, Cllr Tod suggested, to great approval, that it would be exciting to envisage future mass rides filling the one-way system, not just one lane of North Walls.
He said: “The mass ride is the clearest evidence possible that cycling is not a niche activity in Winchester.
"There are more and more people, of all ages, wanting to cycle, and there is enormous pent-up demand to do more if we can make it safer and easier."
The Mass Cycle welcomes riders of all ages, with experienced cyclists marshalling the group for safety. This year also saw two PCSOs help chaperone.
Steve Brine and his son, William, were once again among the cyclists who took part, with the the MP for Winchester borrowing a hybrid bike from The Cycle Company in Shawford. Bespoke Biking also provided a free bike doctor on the day.
Some riders had been on all six mass rides but for many it was their first experience.
Lottie, a mum with young children said: “What I enjoyed was the sense of community. It was such a huge group of people, all together, cycling, and the fact it was so family-friendly. I think we made a point."
Jackie, an older rider, said: “This is the first time I’ve ever ridden into Winchester, my home town, because I’ve always been too scared."
Cycle Winchester has said that, although it was a great turnout, there are many more people in the city who ride a bike.
A recent weekday survey conducted by the group recorded nearly 500 cyclist movements in just two hours.
Launched last year, the Winchester Cycle Charter has also gained support from more than 800 individuals and 80 businesses and institutions in the city.
For more, visit cyclewinchester.org.uk.
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