Themed Rides and Traffic Lights
The end of last year saw lots of themed rides, with a Hallowe’en and Christmas Kidical Mass ride as well as an evening Glow Ride (which Kat Heath, Kidical Mass Chair, organises with a different hat on).
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 to the mechanics and visitors at the bike hub where we ended the ride.
November’s glow ride was very well attended and the riders enjoyed parading through Reading lit up like proverbial Christmas trees.
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 (with signing not allowing cyclists, and a push button for pedestrians disappearing) and these have been fixed.
On a personal level, it’s gratifying that our oldest son sometimes cycles his own bike to school on the bike lane on Lower Henley Road which became safer approaching the traffic lights as a result of cycle campaigners’ work.
Of course, we don’t always get what we ask for. But, on balance, I think things are better with us involved than they would be without us, so I’m pleased we’re here – and grateful to everyone who supports us.
The next family-friendly ride from us will be at the University of Reading community festival on Saturday 16 May. We hope to see you there!
Hilary Smart
