Hackney Chronicle: Rachael Swynnerton n discovering the joy and confidence of family cycling in Islington, thanks to safer, child‑friendly streets that help more people travel independently.

Last month, on Mother’s Day, I was lucky enough to be part of global cycling movement, called Kidical Mass, a mass ride for kids and families. A few years ago, I would not have cycled on streets in Islington, let alone allow my children to. Seeing cyclists squashed between moving and parked cars always made me wince. It looked so dangerous. On a visit to Waltham Forest in 2019, I was astonished to find that this does not have to be the case. I saw families with very young children out on their bikes riding freely. These were streets where people are given priority over motor vehicles, often called Low Traffic Neighbourhoods. Over the past few years Islington Council have introduced a similar scheme which prioritises people, called Liveable Neighbourhoods. They have a vision to implement these schemes across the whole borough. Significant changes have already been made in many areas. As these changes took place my children were keen to try them out on a family bike ride. Rachael Swynnerton has enjoyed mass cycle rides with her children (Image: Rachael Swynnerton) We enjoyed cycling in St Peters, Highbury and Canonbury and we love the wand protected cycle lanes too. My children, who were five and eight at the time, pedalled along with beaming smiles. It was a huge thrill for them to feel so safe, happy and free. On the lookout for more opportunities for children friendly cycling, we joined a Kidical Mass ride where most riders were children, some as young at three years old. Kidical Mass is a global movement designed to give young people a voice and presence in our cities and streets. Their vision is for children and young people to travel safely and independently by bike where they live. I love their motto, "Space for the next generation". As they rightly say, “a child-friendly city is good for people of all ages.” This year Kidical Mass took place on Mother’s Day. It was a fantastic morning, riding from King's Cross to Shoreditch with iBike providing an uplifting soundtrack for the ride. These mass rides are an incredible experience for children and adults alike; a rare opportunity to take over the road. The Easter break was a great time to go for a family bike ride in children friendly areas. Let your councillor know about your experiences. If you fancy experiencing an extraordinary mass ride, join Cycle Islington on Sunday, June 21 for their child-friendly ride to celebrate 50 years of campaigning for safer cycling. Rachael Swynnerton is from Islington Clean Air Parents (islingtoncleanairparents.uk/).