September 2023 Newsletter

Countdown to Kidical!…

Our big annual event is about to hit the streets again – Kidical Mass, our protest ride to draw attention to the lack of safe spaces for cyclists. Starting at 10am from the Millennium Bridge on Sunday 24 September. All ages welcome – we’ll be cycling a family-friendly, safe route through the city with a stop at the minster. Fancy dress and noisy accompaniment encouraged: we want to make an impression! More details on Eventbrite. 

…and help needed

Please let us know if you can help by being a marshal at Kidical Mass on 24 September.

Cycling to school

The annual Cycle to School week is back next month (25 – 29 September). Sisters Rowan and Hester are positive about cycling to their York schools (except the hills!). They are able to use mainly off-road tracks and appreciate it being faster than walking – so “I don’t have to get up ridiculously early” says Rowan. She also finds “all the nature I cycle through … starts my day off well”, and Hester says “there is wind in my face and it makes me feel free”.It would be great if every child could cycle to school safely and enjoy such benefits, but we know this is far from the case. If any members would be happy to appear on camera to share their thoughts on how safe their children’s (potential) routes to school are, we’d love to hear from them for our social media channels in September.

Pop-up recruitment stalls

The recruitment team continues to be out and about doing its invaluable work, including pop-up stalls at the Millennium Bridge and Bishy Road shops. Contact Leah if you’d like to join them.

Ask the councillor

Former YCC Joint Chair Kate Ravilious is now a councillor job-sharing the executive role of Environment and Climate Change. We put some questions to her about the new administration’s intentions. 

Cycle symbols on bridges

The Council wants the Campaign’s views on the impact of the new symbols added to the road surfaces of Ouse, Lendal and Skeldergate bridges earlier this year. We’d like to know your experiences so we can feed back accurately. Please fill in this very short survey before Friday 8th.

Support safe streets

Since the Uxbridge by-election brought so-called “anti-car” measures into the limelight, Rishi Sunak has commissioned a review of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs). Use this Cycling UK letter to tell him why schemes like LTNs and 20mph zones are so valuable for safer cycling and walking.  

Fancy being on stage?

Theatre Royal is still looking for cyclists to power its new play! Deadline to sign up is 11 September.

Bike Belles funding

Local cycling group, York Bike Belles, is in need of long-term funding to continue its work giving rides in adapted trikes to care home residents amongst others, as well as its Cake Confidence rides to help new and returning cyclists. 

Friends of the Earth

Friends of the Earth has recently established a local area group in York and their next get-togethers will be on 13 September and 15 November at 7.00 pm in the Friargate meeting house (email with any enquiries). And on 4 October they will be hosting a special event, An Audience with the Executive Members for the Environment and Climate Emergency.

Coming up in September…

Free, inclusive guided rides: Throughout the summer, Everybody’s Cycling is working with York Mind to offer short leisurely guided rides in and around York along mostly car-free local cycle routes. They can provide bikes (including adapted cycles), helmets and a friendly cycling buddy if required.This video shows more.Is cycling good for your health?: Monday 11 September 7-9pm at Cycle Heaven. This free YCC event features speakers Rumina Onac (GP) and Clare Nattress (artist and researcher). Find out more and book your place via Eventbrite.

Help needed!

We don’t always find out about all the local events where it would be appropriate for us to have a stall or a pop-up recruitment event – for instance, summer fairs. Please let us know if there’s something going on in your area that you think the Campaign could usefully attend.If you’re interested in offering a social ride, just get in touch.