Kidical Mass ride in Inverness wants you to 'make space for the next generation'

Campaigners will not be fooling about when they take to the streets of Inverness on Saturday to call for an improved environment for health and wellbeing.

The next Kidical Mass cycle ride takes place on April Fool's Day, and organisers are calling on children to come along with their best joke to share.

There will also be a new "toy swap" where used toys can be donated or swapped with others.

Taking place in Inverness on the first Saturday of each month, Kidical Mass North wants to "make space for the next generation" and get kids and adults confident about cycling in a safe and friendly group around the city.

Part of the worldwide Kidical Mass movement, it calls on decision-makers to help provide children with a cleaner, safer and healthier future by reducing reliance on private motor vehicles.

A spokeswoman for the event said: "Cycling is a fun way to get around, and for short journeys it is often quicker, and definitely cheaper. It is a great way for kids to get to school, adults to get to work, and it is much better for us. It keeps us fit, improves mental wellbeing, and it also reduces air pollution, which causes increased cases of asthma and lung problems in children.

"Traffic and idling cars near schools leads to poor air quality in the playgrounds as children play or enter and leave school. We want better for our children. We want them to have clean air to breathe and safe streets to cycle, wheel or walk to school.

"Reducing our reliance on private motor vehicles is giving the next generation a cleaner, safer, healthier future. And the good news is that it can also be a lot of fun.

"So, how about giving it a go – come along on Saturday with your wheels, a smile and a cheesy joke. We would love to see you there."

The marshalled ride begins from Bellfield Park at 1.30pm and finishes at the Highland Archive Centre where there are fun activities and snacks. All ages and abilities are welcome, but children must be accompanied by their responsible adult.

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