It’s been a busy few months at Kidical Mass, with varying success in our exploits. I thought I’d take a look at how we’re doing under the three C’s of Kidical Mass (Campaigning, Cycling for fun and Community building).
Campaigning
We’ve been doing this for a while now and are starting to get recognised locally as a voice speaking up for cyclists, especially vulnerable or small ones. We have been able to directly report issues where maintenance and upgrades have caused issues with a few toucan traffic lights (one of which was fixed promptly, the other we’re still chasing).
On a personal level, it’s gratifying that our oldest sometimes cycles his own bike to school on the bike lane on Lower Henley Road that became safer approaching the traffic lights as a result of cycle campaigner’s work.
Earlier this year we were invited by the council to consult on the proposed wording around antisocial cycling in the PSPO (Public spaces protection order) and (as previously reported on this blog) were pleased to help move things in the right direction. Recently we emailed councillors asking why they were planning to remove the ambition to make more roads in Reading 20mph speed limits, and were invited to take part in that discussion. We don’t always get what we ask for, and it’s frustrating sometimes to compare what’s happening in Reading with what’s happening in neighbouring boroughs. But, on balance, I think things are better with us involved than they would be without us, so I’m pleased we’re here.
Cycling for fun
We need to revisit our strategy for advertising the rides, because we clearly didn’t publicise the last two well enough. Our Christmas ride was a small and select group but those of us who came out still very much enjoyed the ride, particularly one happy little elf who loved riding with Santa. After the ride the elf enjoyed giving out copies of this year’s Kidical Mass Christmas book (see below) to the mechanics and visitors at the bike hub where we ended the ride.
The glow ride, on the other hand, which the fearless Kat organises with a different hat on, was very well attended and the riders enjoyed parading through Reading lit up like proverbial Christmas trees.
We’ve generally enjoyed seeing the cyclists out and about on Reading’s roads, even in cold, wet weather – just today my bike was one of three cargo bikes for carrying children parked outside a local shop, and one of my youngest’s friends at school was excitedly showing off his new pedal bike.
Community
Speaking of the Bike Hub, and the many hats worn by the fearless Kat, this project continues to go from strength to strength. It has entered into collaborations with local artists, musicians and the Reading Library of Things and has provided a home base for skaters and skateboarders as well as cyclists.
For children there is a “balance bike” course laid out at the back of the cavernous shop (though I have to say our boys have also enjoyed navigating this on a rainy day on their bikes, which decidedly do have pedals), and they now offer second hand bike “sales” (for children there is no charge – though donations are welcome – the hub just asks that the bikes are returned once outgrown).
We may have to get creative about how we partner with the hub in terms of Kidical Mass events in 2026 – it could make a great indoor starting and end point for rides, or possibly there are options to be explored as a venue for an activity afternoon.
Our 2026 is yet to be planned (the team are taking a well earned break over Christmas), but whatever else happens Kidical Mass Reading will be running a ride from the University of Reading community festival on Saturday 16th May. We hope to see you there!