Kidical Mass set to return to Inverness streets with plea to ‘limit traffic, not our children’
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Campaigners are marking the second anniversary of the Kidical Mass children’s bike ride in Inverness this weekend by calling on the local authority to “limit traffic, not our children”.
The regular event sees people of all ages walk, wheel and cycle a short route through the city from Bellfield Park to the archive centre close to Whin Park.
Organisers say their message is particularly apt this month, after Highland Council’s Inverness committee agreed to continue with plans to reduce traffic levels in Academy Street before the move was halted when a notice of amendment meant the decision will now be referred to the full council.
The Eastgate Centre has threatened legal action against the council should it continue with the scheme, which aims to reduce traffic by 75 per cent and widen pavements while adding more pedestrian crossing points to make a more attractive city centre environment.
However, some businesses are concerned that it could impact on trade in the city and want the plans reviewed.
A spokesperson for Kidical Mass North, which returns to Inverness on Saturday, said: “The next generation deserves a town centre that they can access safely by bike.
“The Kidical Mass movement aims to give voice to children in the debate around active travel - we need to make it possible for them to cycle to school, or to the park or to play with friends - we need to give them back the independence they have been denied.”
People are invited to join the Kidical Mass event by meeting at Bellfield Park for a 1.30pm start on Saturday.
“We are looking forward to welcoming new and returning wheelers, for a friendly and inclusive ride from Bellfield Park, finishing at the Archive Centre with some fun activities, snacks and surprises,” the spokesperson said. “Everyone is welcome - every month we have such a massive variety of bikes, trikes, recumbent, tandem, scooters, wheelchairs, and riders of all abilities. There is no need to book, just come along but children do need to bring their responsible adult.”
The Inverness Kidical Mass is the most northerly of about 40 groups now established in the UK. The purpose of the rides is to create a safe space on the streets for children of all ages to ride and enjoy themselves. Organisers say that cycling is a fantastic way to improve personal health and wellbeing, and reduce air pollution, by reducing the need for some car journeys.
Emily WIlliams, the Bicycle Mayor of Inverness, said: “I’m really looking forward to the return of Kidical Mass after the summer break - it has been a privilege to be involved in such a positive movement, and to see how much joy the kids get from cycling together on the road.
“The fact that it takes an organised, marshalled group ride to facilitate this shows just why we are campaigning for better cycling infrastructure in Inverness.”
