A GROUP of cyclists put on their best festive fancy dress costumes as they rode through the streets to wish all a Merry Christmas.
Twyford and Colden Common Cycle Bus transformed into a Santa Sleigh Ride, with Father Christmas himself being towed along in a trailer.
Councillor Sue Cook was head elf, fitted with a large hat duct taped to her helmet and parish clerk Debbie Harding also joined the effort as one of the 10 reindeer cycling two by two.
Cllr Cook said: “It’s great to be apart of it. We desperately want to encourage people to get on their bikes. There was no hesitation on my part in dressing up as an elf, I just love to adorn an outfit.”
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Starting at 4.30pm the group set off from Colden Community Centre cycling in a loop round the area to finish at the Rising Sun pub at 5.30pm.
The idea came from organiser Tony Higginson who could be seen with the toughest of job of towing Father Christmas.
Speaking after the cycle, some of the reindeer said: "It was fantastic, we want to do it again."
Tony said: “We’re trying to get visibility for cycling and continue the message that it’s fun. Hopefully, it will be a feel good factor for the village that we continue year on year.
“There is still the concern of safety especially when crossing Main Road. We want to keep pushing the message of 20 is plenty and aim to get safer cycling routes put in place.”
The sleigh was designed by Colden Common Men’s Shed, with paint donated by B&Q and electrics put together by Dave Munday who manages a bike hire scheme in Southampton and also helps with the cycle bus.
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The Twyford and Colden Common cycle bus was set up this year to help students, commuters and recreational cyclists travel into Winchester. Setting off every Wednesday at 7.20am the route focusses on getting Westgate and Kings pupils to school.
The aim is to promote a healthy and social lifestyle while also reducing traffic congestion in the area.
To watch the Santa Sleigh team setting off. Click the Chronicle’s Facebook live video below.
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