VeloVibe at Kidical Mass

Kidical Mass Oxford: A Joyful Ride Through the City 🌈🚴

This past Sunday, Oxford’s streets came alive with the sound of ringing bells and laughter, as about 200 cyclists of all ages joined the Kidical Mass Oxford ride, organised by volunteers at Cyclox – the voice of cycling in Oxford.

It was one of those crisp, golden autumn afternoons where the sunshine makes everything feel brighter and better. From toddlers on balance bikes to grandparents on e-bikes, families on cargo bikes to teens riding side-by-side, the roads were filled with colour, bubbles, and joy. The ride was a beautiful celebration of what cycling can be: fun, inclusive, and for everyone.

But Kidical Mass isn’t just about fun – it has a clear purpose too. The ride is part of a growing international movement, campaigning for safer streets for all. Whether you’re a child cycling to school, a parent on a commute, or an older rider enjoying a leisurely ride, every journey should feel safe and stress-free.

The energy on the day was electric. Oxford’s residents and visitors paused to watch the bikes roll by, many smiling, waving, or stopping to take photos. Events like these are such a powerful reminder of how cycling can transform not just how we travel, but how we experience our cities together.

Yet while Kidical Mass highlighted safety issues on our streets, for me it also raised concerns over the challenge we face across the UK: not enough space for bikes on trains. On our journey to Oxford we boarded a train with no space available for bicycles. For families wanting to cycle further afield, or for anyone mixing cycling with public transport, the lack of bike spaces makes sustainable travel harder than it should be.

If we’re serious about encouraging more people to choose bikes, we need to make it easier to combine cycling with rail journeys. That means more bike spaces on trains & better booking systems with clearer information.

At VeloVibe, we believe in accessible cycling – and that includes the freedom to take your bike beyond your local area. Let’s keep the spirit of Kidical Mass alive by adding our voices to the call for safer streets and better bike-train integration.

Cyclox and other cycling groups across the UK are campaigning for change – and every voice counts.
Picture credit via The Oxford Clarion

Our family on the photo is wearing GoFluo Bodyglowers - make yourself visible from 150m!