Critical Mass Aberdeen city centre cycle ride is no more than just a time and a place for like minded people to come together to raise the profile of Urban cycling. It is not a formal organised event, as people are free to come and go as they wish and are responsible for their possessions, their own safety and the safety of other road users. Essentially bicycles are just another form of transport that makes up traffic in the city - the greenest, the smallest and the most sustainable form or traffic - which we need more of on our streets to make them a familiar sight. We need to get to a point of 'critical mass' to drive home to Aberdeen City Council the need for safe and sustainable travel infrastructure for all modes of transport. The city and its residents will prosper in the short-term and long-term and the highstreets can be brought back to life with people returning to to the city centre as a result of good cycle facilities. "Build it and they will come"!
Joining in:
The ride take place on the last Friday of every month at 18:00 with everyone gathering by Marischal College*.
The day and time are a constant; come rain or shine; only you can to make a judgment if you want to go along or not - considering the conditions, your experience/competency, as well as safety etc. So on some occasions there may be a large turnout on other occasion there may be just a few people or none - that's ok. The key is to maintain the monthly get together for the long-term.
It commences shortly after everyone has gathered. "Let’s go! Let's do it!" indicates the start around an initial proposed route which is x2 laps of the loop through the city centre starting from, and finishing at, Marischal Square. There is no specific ride leader, if you know the route then make yourself to the front of the group, otherwise just follow the crowd.
*Note however the route may change due to various reasons such are road closures, diversions etc but the aim is always to end up back at the where the ride started.
Pre- or Post- ride social events will be coming in the future - sign up to social media to stay up to date.
The idea of Critical Mass rides are to :
Be Inclusive - Anyone should feel that they can attend the ride. If you are building up confidence in cycling in the city, then this a great ride for you. Buddy up with, and meet, some new people. Everyone is there to have fun, build a cycling community in and around Aberdeen to promote positive change.
Highlight the need for better, safer, and segregated cycling infrastructure – The ride is not a protest! However we want people to be aware of our presence so feel free to get creative, dress up or light up you and/or your bike to promote this cause. Use the #CriticalMassAberdeen to promote the movement on social media. It's about coordinated collaboration!
One of the main purposes of Critical Mass Aberdeen is to get people cycling in our city. The more the better - for so many reasons - but if you cannot make the ride due to any reason, don't fret about it, just come to the next one (and invite a friend or family member too).
When deciding if you would like to cycle on the roads in Aberdeen do consider the following:
Safety:
Cyclists can only use the infrastructure available to them to cycle in the city: roads, bus lanes, cycle lanes, shared cycle/pedestrian zones and paths. Some are better or safer than others. Respect all road users and people you share a space with - we all need to keep each other safe.
Weather - understand what the conditions will be, assess if you want to, or are comfortable to, cycle and dress appropriately.
Safe Equipment - ensure your bike is well maintained, have a bell; plenty of lights and reflectors especially in winter; wear HiVis, and bring a puncture kit, etc
Look out for your companions and other cyclists whenever you are out and about on your bike; everyone appreciates a helping hand when they get into difficulties.
Obey the rules of the road:
When riding on city streets take the primary position on the road and 'fill the lane'. However do let other traffic past if safe to do so.
Especially important if riding in a large group is that you DO stop at junctions, traffic lights etc even if it splits the group. You will undoubtedly catch up with the people in front at the next junction.
Be familiar with the highway code and cycle to those rules as safely as possible.
The cycling in an Urban environment is not a race:
The ride at the speed of the slowest rider in the group or equal to the flow of other traffic - overtaking and undertaking increase greatly the chances of an accident.
Take the lane, if the traffics stops, you stop - no filtering, no squeezing through gaps - just take the primary road position.
The above points are only some key pointers and it's not an exhaustive list. Use your own experience and judgement before going out on your bike.
Any other questions then please see FAQs