What's On Thu 12 Nov
Lights on, bikes out: the Reclaim the Night ride leaves Queen Square tonight
A mass bike ride from Queen Square to Bedminster for women, non-binary and trans riders, calling for streets that feel safe after dark.
On Thursday 12 November, riders will gather in Queen Square at 6pm for a mass bike ride across the city. It is part of the national Reclaim the Night movement, which stands against sexual violence, street harassment and gender-based abuse.
The ride is organised by Bristol Cycling Campaign with two Bristol groups, Lunar Cycles and Tempo Bristol. It is for people who identify as women, non-binary or trans. The organisers say all cycling abilities are welcome, and children can come along with a responsible adult.
The route
The ride is about 7km through town. It leaves Queen Square and finishes at the Tobacco Factory in Bedminster at around 7.30pm. The organisers haven’t published a turn-by-turn route, so follow the group and the marshals on the night.
Their message is simple: light up your bike and make some noise. Fairy lights, bright clothes and bells all help, and front and rear lights are a must on any after-dark ride.
Why ride
The organisers point out that it is nearly 50 years since the first Reclaim the Night march, in Leeds in 1977. They say women and marginalised genders still don’t feel safe walking or cycling, especially after dark.
Reclaim the Night began in the UK in November 1977, when women marched through Leeds and other cities at night. Those first marches were a response to violence against women and to advice that women should stay indoors after dark for their own safety. The marchers’ answer was that the streets belong to everyone at every hour. Since then, marches have been held in towns and cities across the country, usually in late November. Bristol has its own walking march, organised by Bristol SU.
A bike ride carries the same message in a different way. Cycling in the dark brings its own worries: unlit paths, quiet roads and being followed or shouted at. Riding together, through the middle of the city, makes the point that these routes should feel safe for everyone, every night, not only when there are a hundred lights in a row.
Before you go
- Meet at 6pm in Queen Square. Arrive a little early to find the group.
- Bring lights and something reflective or bright.
- Check your bike: tyres pumped, brakes working and a lock for when you reach Bedminster.
- Getting home: the ride ends in Bedminster at about 7.30pm, so plan your route back before you set off.
- Questions: the organisers ask people to get in touch through Bristol Cycling Campaign’s website.
We’ll update this page if the organisers change the time or meeting point.
Map
Sources
Last checked 8 November 2026. Details change, so check the official link before you go.