Cyclists take part in slow ride for safer streets

Around 160 riders took part in the event

A group of cyclists have taken part in a slow ride, calling for safer streets for children.

Setting off from Queen's Square, Bristol, around 160 people took part in the Kidical Mass and Safe Streets Now ride on Saturday.

Similar rides also took place across the UK, including Bath and Bridgwater in Somerset.

Ian Pond, chair at Bristol Cycling Campaign, said their "purpose was to try and shine a light on" road safety.

The Kidical and Safe Streets Now ride took place in Bristol on Saturday

“Families and children need to travel as well, many who choose to travel by bike, the decision makers and the local government need to think of the needs and safety of all road users,” he said.

Kidical Mass is a worldwide movement, focusing on children and sustainable mobility.

Mr Pond said the idea was to "encourage families and particularly children to come out and cycle as a big group".

The ride was followed by a Safe Streets Now rally, which included speeches from cross-party politicians and campaigners, that was attended by around 200 people.

Safe Streets Now campaign to minimise road danger through people-centred public spaces and improved driver and vehicle regulation.

The ride began in Queen Square

Mr Pond said: "Research shows that unfortunately many adults, therefore parents, feel it’s unsafe to cycle on the roads and if they feel like that themselves, then I can see why they don’t feel that they can allow their children to cycle on the roads."

"We need to create an environment where there are safe routes to school," he added.

Mr Pond said without change, it is "not unreasonable that parents are reluctant” to allow their children to cycle on the roads

"Decision makers need to change the dynamic on the streets to make it safer," he said.