Local residents took part in a large Crewe family bike ride, demanding the funding for active travel - with support from a shop chain and fitness charity.

Kidical Mass Crewe Family Cycle Ride took place on Sunday 11 June - with cyclists travelling from Crewe Lifestyle Centre to Queens Park.

Over 90 cyclists took part in a family bike ride, which demanded the funding for active travel needed to safely independently and actively travel around Cheshire.

The family bike ride included people of all ages and abilities, on all types of bikes, from people in their seventies to babies in cargo bikes (Kidical Mass).

After speeches by the organisers and best wishes from Crewe Town mayor, Dennis Straine-Francis, the ride left from Crewe Lifestyle centre at 11 am to the sound of the Charge bugle call by Graeme Malam. 

The ride included people of all ages and abilities, on all types of bikes, from people in their seventies to a babies in cargo bikes.

Cheshire Fire brigade kept the slower riders safe and Cheshire Police marked many cycles and gave security advice. 

Riders received reflective armbands and restorative bananas from the Co-op as part of Sustainability Live and the Big Green Week.

They also received goody bags from Everybody Health & Leisure at the finish picnic in Queens Park.

Riders at Queens Park received reflective armbands and restorative bananas from the Co-op as part of Sustainability Live and the Big Green Week (Kidical Mass).

More than one rider commented afterwards that everyone had a great time, felt safe and "there were no complaints."

On social media, Amy Haydock, said: "Thanks for the great day. Great to meet some lovely people and see some awesome bikes too.

"My first bike ride out in about 14 months since having a second baby, but we did it."

The Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Sam Corcoran, rode alongside the families and enjoyed the event.

Mr Corcoran said: "I have for many years sought to encourage people to walk and cycle more, particularly on short journeys to school, shops or parks.

The Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Sam Corcoran, rode alongside the families and enjoyed the event (Cheshire East Council).

"It was great to see the Kidical Mass cycle ride with many young people on their bikes and balance bikes cycling to Queens Park in Crewe.

"The health benefits of cycling are huge and it doesn't just benefit you. Walking or cycling rather than driving helps other people's health as well as your own.

"Air pollution contributes to over 20,000 deaths a year in UK; short car journeys cause pollution and lead to high level of exposure to poor air quality for both drivers and passengers.

"Cycling rather than driving improves your health, it helps other people's health, it reduces carbon emissions and it's fun."

The Kidical Mass organisers are local parents and volunteers, including Jess and Derek Coates,(qualified ride leaders) with their youngsters, Sarah Greatorex (Cycling Instructor), Dan Hammersley (Cycling UK) and Crewe town councillor, Ben Wye.

After speeches by the organisers and best wishes from Crewe town mayor, Dennis Straine-Francis, the ride left from Crewe Lifestyle centre at 11 am (Kidical Mass).

They were all disappointed to see Cheshire East Council lose the last round of funding from Active Travel England which would have seen infrastructure designed for all users.

Kidical Mass Crewe are working with the council on better designs as opportunities arise by listening to children, young adults, and families.

Organiser, Jessica Coates, added: "The families and young people on the ride all showed strong, independent skills and said they would cycle to school if it felt safer.

"Some that do ride feel they have to share the pavement with pedestrians in places.

"How disappointing in this day and age we are limiting our future generations, in health, independence, growth and development – the very things we want to foster for the future.

Over 90 cyclists took part in a family bike ride, which demanded the funding for active travel needed to safely independently and actively travel around Cheshire (Kidical Mass).

"The numbers riding here were proportionally much higher than at other Kidical Mass events over the country recently; the voice of the people has clearly been made – we need safer infrastructure.

"The council has already contacted us wanting to support future events so watch this space – why don't you get involved next time?"

READ MORE: Crewe Alex step up transfer activity with signing of former Premier League winger.

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Crewe Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Crewe Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.