An event of mass proportions is happening this weekend.
Kidical Mass, that is.
What is that, you ask?
It’s a national grassroots movement designed to provide an organized family bike ride through city streets and to highlight routes that connect our neighborhoods to work, school and local businesses.
The guided community bike ride is free and open to riders of all ages and abilities. It is organized by the Living Streets Alliance and led by El Grupo Youth Cycling.
The event is part of Beyond Tucson, a celebration of healthy, active living for the family; it’s at noon on Saturday, Jan. 9. (Find more events at beyond-tucson.org)
Riders will meet on the southwest corner of Armory Park, near the intersection of South Sixth Avenue and East 13th Street.
Bike parking will be offered so families can participate in other Beyond activities at Armory Park and a free day at Children’s Museum Tucson.
Teammates from El Grupo will lead participants along a 3-to-5-mile route that is safe, easy and highlights how simple it is to get to favorite places on a bike.
“We teach safe riding and mostly how to have fun riding your bike with lots of others,” said Daniela Diamente, executive director of El Grupo. “Many families feel more comfortable riding with their little ones knowing that as a larger mass we are all more visible and look out for one another.”
Isabella’s Ice Cream will be handing out free scoops at the end of the ride. And BICAS mechanics will be on hand, providing free bike repair.
A limited supply of children’s helmets will be provided for free, courtesy of the city of Tucson Bicycle and Pedestrian Program and Pima Association of Governments.
