Notice: Kidical Mass Cycle Rides to Brighten Surrey Streets

Published on: 16 Apr, 2023
Updated on: 29 Apr, 2023

Sophie Gordon, of a group organising a mass family-friendly cycle ride in Guildford, writes:

On Monday, May 8, riders of all ages will take to the streets in Guildford and Redhill to celebrate the joy of cycling and highlight the need for more safe cycle routes in Surrey. Click here for details.

These will be the first Kidical Mass rides in the county, joining a global movement of family rides taking place over the weekend in towns and cities worldwide.

Beth, 38, from Guildford explains why she’ll be taking part: “The stabilisers came off my son’s bike a few weeks ago. I’ll never forget his laugh of surprise and delight when it all clicked. But I’m worried that, in his teens, just when he needs some independence, he will stop riding his bike like I did. And I’m worried he won’t. The streets aren’t safe enough and I really want him to keep this freedom.”

Their child, Nicholas, aged four, adds: “I’m excited to ride on the road!”

The vision of Kidical Mass is that all children and young people should be able to safely and independently use cycling as a mode of travel.

In Surrey that can often be difficult because of the high volume of motor traffic and lack of connected cycling routes. According to Cycling UK, 66% of people who don’t cycle are put off by fear of traffic, showing the need for more separated routes.

Local parent Chloe Sutcliffe explains why she felt motivated to organise the first Kidical Mass ride in Guildford to draw attention to the issue: “As a family we really want to get away from relying on our car for short local journeys such as the school run, but currently most of the roads around Guildford just don’t feel safe enough for our children to cycle on.

“We want the kids to experience the simple joy of being able to get from A to B using their own pedal power. It would be amazing if there was safer cycling provision so they could bike around locally without feeling afraid.”

As well as highlighting the lack of safe cycle routes, the rides are also about having fun. Fancy dress and decorated bikes are encouraged. There will be music to keep little legs from getting tired, plus cake to enjoy afterwards.

The routes are around 2.5 miles, so suitable for even the smallest of cyclists – although you don’t have to be a child to take part; the rides are open to all.

Join a Kidical Mass ride Guildford: bank holiday Monday, May 8, 10.30am at Allen House Grounds, GU1 4AZ. www.g-bug.org/events