Kidical Mass, Exeter 2022

We took part in a Kidical Mass bike ride this morning.  I say we - it was Helen and Olly.  Anniemay and I cheered them on from a nearby coffee bar.

KIdical Mass rides are taking place this weekend in other cities in the UK, Europe and the USA with the aim of “highlighting the need for children and young people to be able to safely and independently travel by bicycle wherever they live.”

It was well attended - a couple of hundred people of all ages.  Mainly younger familes, but a few older folk as well.  The most significant thing that I noticed was a complete absence of MAMILS.  Lots of hi-viz tops, helments and baggy shorts - but no lycra.  

And bikes of all shapes and sizes - but no carbon.  Just bikes as a means of transport.  (The eagle-eyed bike-nerd might notice an old space-frame Moulton among the extras).  And it was really encouraging to see young children riding their own bikes with confidence.  

It was well organised too.  The local Police Force support the initative and provided an escort at the front and rear of the procession.  Shame they used cars though - bobbies on bicycles, two by two - would have looked much better and we could have all sung along.

This initiative is really important to Helen and Olly.  Each day she takes him to Nursery in the trailer - about 5 miles each way along some busy roads - instead of using the car.  I’m really proud of them.

And for us, it felt good to be part of something Global - even if we did just stand and wave.