Children lead bike ride in call for safer roads in Sheffield

The mass bike ride took place in Sheffield city centre

Dozens of children have taken part in a mass bike ride to call for safer cycle provision in Sheffield.

Along with adults, around 100 people joined the ride around the city centre to highlight their message.

Organiser Faith Salih said: "We want changes so kids can cycle independently but roads need to be safer."

The bike ride was part of international movement Kidical Mass, which promotes safe spaces for children to move around on foot or bikes.

Mum of three Mrs Salih said councillors had attended the event on Saturday, which was encouraging in helping get their message across.

Organisers said the ride was intended to be fun but with a serious message

"Ideally, what would work best for everyone, is segregated cycle lanes because it helps children and families to feel safe but it also means there are dedicated spaces, which is better for drivers, too. I think drivers feel nervous around cyclists, particularly children.

"We had a speech from an 11-year-old girl at the end of the ride and she really brought home that she wants to cycle to school and into town and she can do that independently but for the roads being safer."

Mrs Salih said there are some "really good bits of cycling infrastructure" in Sheffield, but the biggest problem is it isn't joined-up.

She added: "Last year we did a ride in the suburbs and this year it was in the city centre, but fewer people attended because lots of families felt they couldn't get into the city centre on their bikes."