Buffalo’s first “Kidical Mass” was held in May around Delaware Park (see here). Now, organizers are planning a second Kidical Mass at the Buffalo waterfront. The idea behind the event is simple in nature, as described by organizer Jesse Smith:
“Kidical Mass is a family-friendly bicycle group ride for kids, their grownups, and anyone else who supports bicycling families. The primary goal is simply to have fun riding in a group through our fair city, but the ride also serves to teach and model safe bicycling techniques to our children and provides a safe environment for them to practice those skills on bike paths and slow, low-traffic streets. We also ride to bring awareness to the ever-increasing number of kids and families riding bikes in our city, and to remind drivers to be courteous and cautious in sharing the roads.
“Our first ride, in May, was a great success with 37 attendees. The weather was perfect and everyone had a terrific time. This month, we hope to build on that success and take advantage of Buffalo’s beautiful summers with a ride along the waterfront. The ride will travel along the LaSalle Park waterfront and then on the bike path behind the Waterfront Village condos. When we get to Erie Street, we’ll ride up to the point of Erie Basin Marina, stop at the observation tower for a short rest and opportunity for anyone wishing to climb up and tower for a scenic view, and then back along the marina and ending at Canalside, where plenty of family-oriented recreational activities await, and Clinton’s Dish is open for ice cream or snacks. Unlike the previous ride, this one will not be a loop, but we will arrange to head back at a designated time for those who would feel more comfortable returning to the start point in a group.
“As always, every parent or guardian is responsible for the supervision and safety of their own child, and everyone is expected to abide by all traffic laws. Helmets are required by New York State law for children age 13 and under. Kids who have the maturity to ride safely on their own on bike paths and city streets are welcomed on their own bikes. For younger kids, bring your child seats, trailers, trail-a-bikes, longtail cargo bikes, box or bucket bikes, tandems, etc.”
When: Sunday, June 29th at 10:30 AM
Where: Meet at the entrance of LaSalle Park (at the foot of Porter Avenue). Parking for cars is available along the park road.
What to Bring: Your kids, bikes, money for snacks if desired, water.
RSVP: At the Facebook event page or by email at KidicalMassBuffalo@gmail.com
See also: The Buffalo Family Bicycling Facebook group