LAST month Frome’s streets geared up for its first Critical Mass bike ride of 2022. Every last Friday of the month cyclists and citizens across the world take part in a global community bike ride and it has now started in Frome!
In Frome, around 20 (big and small) cyclists gathered outside the Cheese and Grain and took to the streets for a gentle ride of about an hour. Critical Mass started in San Francisco decades ago and has grown across the world, with many more cities and towns now taking part. The aim of the ride is to raise awareness of the importance of sharing the roads, creating a safe way for cyclists to build their confidence.
Setting off to a chorus of bike bells, the group passed through Rodden Meadow before joining the four wheeled traffic at the east of Frome then looping back along Portway, braving the most polluted street in Frome, showing their faces at The Station Approach before heading back down Bath Street to pat themselves on the backs!
Organisers say that there was a strong feeling of community, safety and celebration on the ride. One of the riders said, “I really enjoyed the group cycle for Critical Mass because not only was it really good to meet other cyclists, I felt more confident cycling around town in a group. It was fun with and there was a real sense of community- I will definitely go again!”
Organisers say, “The very idea of Critical Mass causes great debate, some say it is purposefully agitating traffic and others say that the riders break the law, but this small and friendly group in Frome caused no disruption and kept to the new Highway Code. Cycling as a group allows unconfident riders to build their assertiveness on the road and it allowed kids to learn how to approach junctions and roundabouts. It is also a great way to set off into the weekend!
“Frome Critical Mass is for everyone, last month there were electric bikes, kids with their parents or carers, push bikes, trailers and cargo bikes. Come and join us and be the traffic too! What better way to keep ourselves healthy, our air cleaner and our community strong!”
Check out the group’s Facebook page at Frome Critical Mass.
