"It wasn't a very long ride but was just fun to get out, riding around and through The Strand."
She said they finished off with dinner at The Raft.
Thorpe said people may snuggle up at home at night and think going out for a ride was a silly idea, but the weather was perfect and she said it was actually quite a nice ride.
"It's about experiencing riding at night, doing something a little bit different which takes people a wee bit out of their comfort zone, and it's a nice way to celebrate and acknowledge Matariki and winter at the same time."
She said it was also about trying to get a positive view of biking out into the community, as it seemed like cyclists received a lot of negative press.
"Bikes just have to share the road with cars, that's all there is to it."
Thorpe said they had heard a lot of friendly toots from cars during the ride, and people on The Strand were clapping and waving.
"It's nice to provide a positive view of biking as much as we can."
She said some cyclists went to great lengths to beautify their bikes with lights for the ride.
Riders wrapped battery-powered Christmas lights around helmets, jackets, and bikes.
People also used tinsel and glow sticks, she said.
"Everyone really enjoyed themselves. It went well and hopefully next year we will have an even bigger ride."
