Oxford has just organised another Kidical Mass – a joyful family cycle ride through the city, organised by local cycling campaign group Cyclox two or three times a year since 2022. The Oxford rides have several feeder rides from various locations around the city, this latest one from five starting points in the east, west and north of the city. It brings together cyclists of all ages and abilities, from young children to parents and grandparents. It is inspiring to see very young children grow in independence as they insist on struggling through to complete the ride on their own bikes.
Kidical Mass originated in the US in 2018 as an offshoot from Critical Mass, where adult cyclists ride slowly along roads to reclaim them from motorists and make the point that we need safe routes for cyclists. Kidical Mass takes the idea and adapts it for children. As well as giving young cyclists confidence to ride on the road, it helps them develop independence: becoming familiar with their own bikes, learning routes, and learning how to cycle with others. As one US campaigner said, “The bike movement has grown up, and now it has kids!”
The events now take place in many towns and cities around the UK, from Inverness to Exeter.
In Oxford, the feeder rides converge in the city, this year in Gloucester Green. While this fairly large open space is known for its weekday markets, it offers plenty of room for the cyclists on a Sunday. After some speeches, and much chatting (sorry, networking), the full Kidical Mass sets off on a circuit of the city before returning to Gloucester Green. Adult stewards are positioned at the front, rear and sides of the rides at all times. Marshalls stop traffic at key junctions and roundabouts, often using their bicycles as barriers until all the cyclists have gone past. The author stewarded every Oxford Kidical Mass since it started.
At the end of the ride, some cyclists make their own way home, while others accompany the marshals back to their starting point, again, with some peeling off as they reach their own homes.
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