Kidical Mass rides again
180 riders took part in a joyous ride through the streets of Oxford today. Oxford’s Kidical Mass is just one of the many rides under this banner around the UK and worldwide this week. Our photographer, Roger Close, was there to capture the action. Can you spot yourself?
The Florence Park ride makes its way to the city centre.
Feeder rides run by volunteer marshals started from Headington, Florence Park, West Oxford, Cutteslowe and Jericho, before converging in the city centre.
Marshals and riders in Gloucester Green
The riders headed for Gloucester Green for a pre-ride briefing. Organisers Cyclox say they "campaign to make Oxford live up to its name of ‘cycling city’. We support more people to cycle in Oxford, more often and more safely. Streets are for everyone. One of the main reasons that people, and in particular children, don’t cycle around Oxford is because they don’t feel safe. Cyclox wants that to change."
Hazel Dawe, who marshalled the event, said: "Again Kidical Mass was great fun. The children are amazing and a big thank you to the patient drivers who wait for us with smiles on their faces when they see all the cycling children."
Kidical Mass was well named as riders filled the city's roads.
Ringing their bells, and following hi-vis-clad marshals, children and their families filled the city streets with joy, as onlookers waved and cheered them on.
The riders followed a planned route through Oxford's historic centre.
Ian Loader, Chair of Cyclox, said of today’s event: “Kidical Mass is a joyous celebration of cycling. It allows young children to experience riding in the city with their family, and other children and families. It is also a living reminder that streets are for everyone, not just for private cars. If we make a city where people of all ages and abilities can cycle safely, that city will be better for everyone, including those who do not cycle.”
Children of all ages joined the ride
The ride featured bikes, cargo bikes, scooters, first bikes and balance bikes. It saw children with experience riding on roads and those who had never ridden outside of a park.
Robin Tucker, Co-Chair of CoHSAT, who was also on the ride, said "Once again Kidical Mass brought together children of all ages and all backgrounds for a joyful celebration of cycling – but one with a serious point. Our children want to travel under their own power, gain independence, learn healthy habits for life – and it's for adults collectively to make it safe for them."
