A mass family bike ride calling for safer streets returns to Manchester this September

Kidical Mass has announced plans for its next family-friendly bike ride following the success of the first edition in spring.

The organisation, set up by a group of parents living across the region, aims to demonstrate the need to create safer streets for children to cycle, walk, scoot and play.

On Sun 17 Sep, families and the people of Manchester are once again invited to join the city centre ride which starts at Central Library on St Peter’s Square at 11am.

The first Kidical Mass Manchester ride in May was a huge success with 500 children and adults taking to the city centre in a vibrant display of child-friendly cycling across the city.

The aim of the autumn ride is still the same, to demonstrate the need for safer streets and ask city leaders to prioritise installing this infrastructure.

Layla Siebert, one of the organisers said: “May’s first Kidical mass family bike ride in Manchester was an amazing showing from the families across the city, who collectively and passionately want our leaders to prioritise child-friendly streets. It was a massive and joyful demonstration of the desire for safer and healthier streets for children and their carers. Now is the time for building a better future for the city’s kids and we call on more people from all over Manchester and surrounds to join us on the next ride around our city.”

The ride will end at Whitworth Park again with an optional ‘bring your own picnic’. This time there will be a children’s speakers corner and creative activities for kids to get involved post-ride.

The route will be fully stewarded, fun and child-paced route around the city. It will take in parts of Deansgate and travel along Oxford Road.

Pauline Johnston, another organiser said: “Kidical Mass Manchester gives everyone taking part and people looking on a taste of what it looks and feels like when cars are not the dominant feature of the city streets. This time, we’ll amplify the voices of our children with a dedicated place to talk, imagine and ask questions about the future of our city. They can tell us why they like cycling with their family and friends and what they think adults should do to make it easier for them to get on their bikes.”

You can find more information, and register your spot here.