Kidical Mass Ottawa

Experience the joy of biking through the eyes of children and join the worldwide movement calling for child-friendly streets

Kidical Mass is an international movement inspired by ‘critical mass’ events held to emphasize the number of people who want to ride bikes and to demand infrastructure improvements. Kidical mass expands on that idea with a focus on children and families. These events celebrate the joy of biking while calling for a need to create streets that are safe for kids and therefore safe for everyone. We believe children should be able to safely and independently travel to school, parks, sports, and other destinations. With climate change already impacting the lives of children, safe streets for kids also means seriously addressing the climate emergency. There are measures – both big and small – that cities like Ottawa can pursue to make this possible (some of our ideas are below).

This event is hosted by Bike Ottawa, For Our Kids Ottawa-Gatineau and School Streets Ottawa in collaboration with other kidical mass events taking place around the world on the weekend of September 23-24. Join more than 150,000 other people celebrating the joy of children and biking and the need to make streets safer for kids.

Schedule
9:30 – 10:00: Meet at Sylvia Holden Children’s Park (641 O’Connor Street), decorate bikes, dance, chalk, and bubbles
10:05-11:00: Ride begins – We will ride along Queen Elizabeth Drive (closed to cars) to Confederation Park (3.2km)
11:00 – 12:00: Prize draw, activities and play at the park. Participants are encouraged to bring snacks or picnics.

Everyone is welcome! We hope to have participants of all ages, abilities, and caretaking responsibilities (that means you too grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, and community members who love kids!). Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult and are welcome to ride their own bikes or on board with another rider. We will be travelling at a very slow pace. Whether your child is a pro on two wheels or just starting out, this event is perfect for riders of all ages and skill levels. Don’t forget to bring your helmets!

Bright colourful clothing and accessories are encouraged. We will have some bike decorations, but you are encouraged to bring your own as well! Let’s come together as a community, promote cycling, and create lasting memories. So mark your calendars and get ready for a wheely good time at Kidical Mass Ottawa !

Registration is not required, but it is encouraged so we can get in touch if there are any updates to the event (e.g., weather issues, travel disruptions, etc.)

We are seeking volunteers and donations (prizes, snacks, bike decorations, and services including videography/photography and children’s entertainment). Are you a bike-friendly or kid-friendly individual or business that would like to be involved with this event? Please reach out to us at kidicalmassottawa@gmail.com.

About the Event Hosts:

Bike Ottawa is a not-for-profit volunteer-based advocacy group. We believe riding a bike in Ottawa should be a fun, safe, and easy choice for all ages and abilities. We are committed to advocating for a vibrant and equitable Ottawa where active transportation plays an important role in year-round mobility.

For Our Kids Ottawa Gatineau is a community of parents, grandparents and families who are concerned about climate change. We organize family-friendly activism and information activities and provide a space to connect and take action together. We strive to be a welcoming place for all parents, guardians, grandparents, caregivers, and community members to connect and act together. This summer we hosted several “We Bike For Our Kids” events encouraging families to bike for transportation.

School Streets Ottawa is a coalition of local volunteers along with supporting organizations who advocate for kids to have healthy and safe ways to get to school. Our mission is to have more students using travel modes that are active, safe, and sustainable.

Questions about the event can be sent to kidicalmassottawa@gmail.com