PICTURES: Kidical Mass celebrates second anniversary in Inverness
Families enjoyed sunshine and some well-known faces as they returned for the first Kidical Mass campaigning ride since the summer holidays.
Around 90 people took to the streets of Inverness as part of the Kidical Mass North event on Saturday, which was celebrating its second anniversary.
The monthly ride was established in 2021 as a way of promoting safe spaces for people of all ages and to give children a voice and visibility in the debates around city infrastructure.
The rides between Bellfield Park and the archive centre near Whin Park happen on the first Saturday of each month during school terms and are open to all, though children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The cyclists, wheelers and walkers were joined by Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry and Jackie Hendry, an SNP councillor for Ness-side, for the anniversary ride.
Addressing those attending, Inverness’s bicycle mayor Emily Williams called on people to make sure their voices were heard in the ongoing debate about plans for traffic reduction on Academy Street. A vote at Highland Council's Inverness city committee approved taking the development plans to the next stage, but a notice of amendment means that decision will now be scrutinised by the full council this month.
A spokesperson for Kidical Mass North said: “We need to make it possible for children to cycle to school, the park or to play with friends. We should limit traffic, not our children.”
The hot weather on Saturday meant the smoothie bike was more of a hit than ever at the finish, with queues of children. Those with extra energy to burn after the ride took part in skills training on ramps and obstacles from 42 Cycling, while the littlest riders enjoyed chasing the rarely seen Kidical Mass dinosaurs.
The next ride will take place on October 7, leaving Bellfield Park at 1.30pm for a fun marshalled group ride to the archive centre for snacks and games. All are welcome and more information can be found at www.kidicalmassnorth.co.uk
