Historic cycling club marks revival with ride from Bitton to Bath

An historic cycling club marked its revival after more than a century with a twilight lantern ride from Bitton Station to Bath.

Members of the cycling group | Photo provided

On Thursday 21st May, the newly reformed Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club (BOCC) set out on their inaugural event.

Originally active from 1888 to 1918, the club was a pillar of the community. Last month’s event mirrored a lantern ride undertaken by the original members in 1892, which journeyed from The British School in Oldland Common to The Grange in Bitton.

In total, 26 local riders participated in the revival, steering a vibrant array of bicycles decorated with flowers and twinkling lights along the Bristol & Bath Railway Path.

Bringing an extra touch to the peloton was Gary Brown, from Wild About Flowers in Keynsham, who pedalled along on a flower-decked cargo bike.

Steve Cox, chair of Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club, said: “Our goal is to build a sanctuary for social cycling. True to our philosophy of the bimble, nobody’s left behind, and every mile we pedal is focused on mental wellbeing, reducing loneliness, and building community confidence.”

The group enjoyed a leisurely, scenic, arriving to a warm welcome by the team at the Electric Bear Taproom in Brassmill Lane.

After a stop for refreshment and conversation, the riders returned as the sun dipped below the horizon. A specially provided 360° telescopic seat-post mounted light ensured maximum visibility and safety.

With 85 members signed up in only three months since its relaunch, BOCC, which is affiliated to Cycling UK, is actively campaigning for safer rural cycling infrastructure while growing a friendly, accessible space for cyclists of all abilities and equipment levels.

To find out more about the club and its upcoming events, visit https://www.cyclinguk.org/group/bitton-and-oldland-cycling-club.