A bicycle ride for young cyclists will take place around Hazel Grove / Bramhall on Saturday 30 September.

'Kidical mass' aims to get children of all ages used to cycling on roads in a controlled, safe environemnt. Inspired by similar events across the world, this event will help young cylcists learn to move safely and independently on a bike.

Organisers Max and Darren - both parents of under-seven children themselves - say that the event is open to all from the youngest riders to the oldest.

The cycle ride starts at the Torkington Park rainbow sculpture at 2pm, and finishes around six kilometres down the line in Bramhall (incorporating an ice-cream stop along the way).

As well as being an excellent day out in and of itself, the ride will help children become accustomed to cycling on roads, and, more generally, aims to showcase the importance of good cycling infrastructure in Stockport and beyond.

All top cyclists need a break and a snack - Kidical Mass riders are no exception, and can count on an ice cream stop along the route (Image - Max Christian)

The organisers say they want to show local politicians that there is support for family-safe cycling locally.

"We'd like to go Dutch", Max jokes. "Ideally, we'd like to see more cycle lanes, and connected district centres.

"It would encourage more people to travel around the borough without using a car."

Speaking of current cycling infrastructure, Darren says: "There is a mismatch between what is being done and what people actually need - a lack of understanding for what's required in a built-up area."

Max adds: "If you look at somewhere like Station Road in Cheadle Hulme, no families are cycling on there. [...] There are few 20mph zones, or safe family routes."

It comes not long after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham similarly advocated a stronger cycling network, in an effort to reduce car usage. Speaking of integrated networks, Mr Burnham said: "This is what a city in America — Portland, Oregon — started doing in the 1990s, going against the grain. Now they are reaping the benefits.

"Portland residents now drive 20% less than the rest of the USA, saving them money which they instead spend locally on recreation, contributing to their local economy."

Anybody who wants to join in with Kidical Mass can simply turn up on Saturday 30 September at 2pm at Torkington Park Playground. And, if you can't make this one, you can find a similar event on the last Saturday of each month.

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