For several years now, Kidical Mass events have been running all around the world in an attempt to encourage children and their parents to be confident cycling around their towns. Thanks to a collaboration between HCA and Leeds Cycling Campaign, we organised our first ever Leeds Kidical Mass ride. These rides are very popular in Germany, France, Spain and also in North America where the Kidical Mass moniker was invented back in 2008.
After weeks of planning we settled on a 5.4 mile route around local streets and along part of the Leeds – Liverpool canal towpath. The focus was on building confidence and skills rather than a “taking to the streets” protest which some Kidical Mass rides organise. Also on hand before the ride was Glenn the “Bike Doctor” and WY Police doing bike marking and registrations.
We had a decent group of 26 riders sign up plus another 10 guide riders to help everyone around the course. One of the benefits of this is that it gives the group a safety in numbers, which is great for building the confidence of the children. Personally, what I wanted to show on the ride was that there are safe ways to cycle around Horsforth that don’t involve riding on busy scary roads.
At the end of the hour and a half ride on a bright sunny afternoon, we arrived back at the church and had some drinks and snacks. All the feedback we received was positive, many wanting to do it all over again! If a Kidical Mass type ride is something you would like to see more of, get in touch with Horsforth Climate Action or Leeds Cycling Campaign.
Chapeau to all involved!
John Barber