World champion cyclist joins mass kids’ bike ride calling for safer streets in Guildford

On Car Free Day on Sunday 24 September, almost 300 children and adults of all ages took to Guildford’s streets and cycle paths on a joyful mass bike ride, to amplify the call for better cycling infrastructure across the town.

The ride was one of hundreds taking place in towns and cities all over the world this weekend under the banner of the organisation Kidical Mass. Kidical Mass campaigns for safer streets so that children and adults can cycle safely, get some exercise and breathe cleaner air, all while having some fun.

Guildford cycling star Lizzi Jordan supported the ride on her tandem. She brought her gold and bronze medals, which she won in August at the Para-Cycling Track World Championships, to inspire the next generation of cyclists. 

She said: “Cycling has changed my life, it’s made me healthier, I’ve made new friends and I want younger children to have the same opportunity. Road safety is incredibly important for all cyclists regardless of age and ability. We need to ensure these children feel safe and confident to use our roads whether it’s for sport or as a means of transport. I personally use the roads a lot for my endurance training, and using the roads with a disability means I need to put even more trust into other road users and the infrastructure.” 

Riders completed a two-mile loop starting from G Live, around Stoke Park, and back along Chertsey Street to join the Car Free Day activities on the High Street. There was a vibrant atmosphere with music, bubbles and balloons. The organisers would like to thank everyone who waited patiently in their cars for the children to pass and gave encouraging waves. 

Orson, age 9, loved taking part in the ride, saying, “It was really exciting to ride on the roads with so many people!” He added, “Kids would feel safer cycling if there were separate cycle lanes on every road”.

Christina attended for the first time and said: “This was such a special event! My little one has just learned to ride and having the opportunity to go out on the road today was just wonderful! If only we had more kerbed and protected cycle lanes in Guildford, I think our family would reverse our habits and only use the car for special occasions.”

It was also the first Kidical Mass for Alice and her family, who cycle every day to school and work. She said, “Safe cycling infrastructure and roads are urgently needed. For a more sustainable future, we need to get away from relying on our car for short local journeys like going to school and into town. There are loads of successful examples in other towns and cities. Let’s be a role model!”

Several local councillors took part on the day. Guildford’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sallie Barker, picked up the megaphone to set the riders off, and Cllrs Howard Smith, Jane Tyson and Paul Deach cycled alongside the children.

Paul Deach, Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment at Surrey County Council, was particularly keen to show his support in his role as Surrey’s Active Travel Champion. He cycled from Deepcut to join the ride on his e-bike, which he uses regularly after selling his car 18 months ago. 

He said: “It was not just the kids who had a lot of fun on the mass ride. It was one of the highlights of my year. Big thanks to Chloe and everyone involved with Kidical Mass Guildford for asking me to participate. I also want to thank all the volunteer marshals and Surrey Police for keeping everyone safe during the ride.”