IT’S USUALLY the time of year to decorate your home with sleigh-loads of Christmas cheer.

But Southampton residents are instead being encouraged to give their bikes a festive makeover as part of a Christmas cycle event.

The Southampton Christmas Glow Ride is due to take place this Sunday, December 17, when riders will light up the city with their festive-themed bikes.

Organised by My Journey, the sustainable travel brand of Southampton City Council, the event is due to start at 3pm at Southampton Common.

Riders will meet next to the Cow Herds pub, where qualified riders from Sustrans, Cycling UK, Breeze and Southampton Cargo Bikes will take to the streets as event co-ordinators.

Lasting around three miles, the ride will wind through some of the beautiful parks and quiet roads that Southampton has to offer.

It will then come to a festive finish at the Bargate.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “I would love to see a flurry of festive cyclists enjoying Christmas on two wheels by taking part in My Journey’s Glow Ride this weekend.

“We want to remind people how much fun riding a bike can be as an easy, sustainable means of transport to get from A to B; making Southampton a happier, healthier city to live and work in.”

During the event, My Journey will be giving away freebies for every Glow Ride participant and a prize for the best decorated bike.

The event is free and suitable for riders of all ages and abilities.

To register for tickets for the event, visit the My Journey’s Eventbrite page.