What is Kidical Mass?h
**Please Note** Due to Organisational restrictions we will not be holding a ride in March 2024, our next ride will be on the 20th April to coincide with the Safer Streets Campaign.
Kidical Mass is a worldwide movement where a large group of people aged 0-99+ take to the streets to cycle, wheel and scoot safely. Our Inverness group has been running since the summer of 2021 and was the First Kidical Mass in Scotland. Since this time, we have seen other groups start up in cities across the UK and the movement is spreading fast!
We would like to invite you, children of the Highlands, to bring your parents, carers, siblings, grandparents or significant others to our next Kidical Mass bike ride which usually takes place on the first Saturday of every month at 1:30pm, starting at Bellfield Park (unless otherwise stated - see our Facebook Event page).
Our motto is "space for the next generation" and the purpose of this event is to get kids and adults excited about cycling and to improve confidence on the roads by riding in a safe, friendly and welcoming group of cyclists.
We want to give kids a physical presence and a voice in the public realm. We hope it will connect and encourage us all to consider making short journeys by bike, scooter or other active travel choice, rather than taking the car. A city that is safe and sustainable for kids is good for people of all ages.
We start from Bellfield park, with adult marshalls to help with traffic control and ride safety, finishing at the Archive Centre beside Whyn Park. This is a short route of just over 2.5km on the Riverside, with bikes, bike trailers, cargo bikes, bikes with stabilisers, scooters, wheelchairs, balance bikes and even the occasional unicycle! All are welcome. It is not a race, just a friendly group cycle.
After the ride, we have home baking and kids activities the lawn outside the centre (including things like Face Painting, Smoothie bike, 42 Cycling's ramps, Dr Bike Cycle Maintenance, Bike Security Register, the Bubble man and our Penny Farthing & Clown bikes to ride & play on).
Bring your wheels, wear bright colours and a smile!
The Photo Booth
The Route
Further Information
The Next Kidical Mass will be in:
Contact Us
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Frequently Asked Questions
When and where do Kidical Mass Inverness Happen?
Kidical Mass Inverness meet on the 1st Saturday of every month. We meet at 13:30 at Bellfield Park for a short circular ride as a group.
My child isn’t cycling yet, can I join?
As long as you can carry, push or pull your child on your bike before they can cycle they’re really welcome. Our youngest participant has been cycling with his Mum since he was 5 weeks.
I can’t cycle, can I come along to learn?
Unfortunately we need everyone to be proficient cyclists. While we do our best to use cycle paths and cycle as a group you need to be able to brake and steer safely to be a safe member of the group. One of our sponsored partners, Velocity City Cafe offer both lessons and confidence building groups.
I don’t have a child, can I still join?
Of course! We need unaccompanied adults to act as a Marshall to help keep the kids safe. The city should be safe for everyone from 0 to 99+ and that includes you.
What do the Marshalls do?
To protect riders at junctions some of our adult cyclists will block the road with their bikes to ensure that cars don’t drive at the group. They can also explain to drivers why we’re cycling.
If you’d be interested in being a Marshall, then please email us on
kidicalmassnorth@gmail.com
What if we have an accident?
We have secured Public Liability Insurance which covers every Kidical Mass ride in the UK, we also have trained first aiders and mobile first aid kits along with us on the ride.
In conjunction with the Marshalls, we are here to keep you safe!
Blue Light Policy
During the ride, we may need to give way to the Blue Light Services (Ambulance, Fire, Police). If this does occur, please give way to them courteously and swiftly. The safety marshals will be available to direct and support the ride. Please obey all instructions to keep everyone safe.
My child has additional needs can they come?
We think everyone should be able to cycle safely. If you, or your child, has additional needs we can put you in contact with
Spokes for Folks
who may be able to arrange to collect you in one of their amazing trikes so you can join in the ride.
They have 2 wheelchair suitable trikes, and a number of trikes with seats.
Can my child come unattended?
Unfortunately not, due to the size of the event and our insurance all children must bring a responsible adult.
I’ll need to drive to the start?
We encourage everyone to cycle to the start of the ride, but we realise that’s not always possible. Parking is extremely limited at Bellfield Park, we suggest that you park in the carpark beside Eden Court Theatre or behind the Council Buildings before going to the meeting point at Bellfield Park.
I hear there are Dinosaurs?
We have a small team of volunteers that help us at the final stages of the ride with the entertainments of the children, if you are interested in helping out with bubbles, fun bikes, face painting, temporary tattoos or even donning a dinosaur suit to run about and get up to mischief, then give us a shout on the day, send us an email or send us a message, we'd love to hear from you!
