More than 200 cyclists took to the streets of Sheffield this weekend in support of The Big Ride, calling for safer, more child-friendly cycling infrastructure.
Organised by Cycle Sheffield, the ride attracted parents with children in prams, toddlers on training bikes, seasoned cyclists, and community campaigners, all pedalling together through the city centre making a clear point: Sheffield’s streets must be made safer for all.
Cycle Sheffield posted on social media ahead of the event: “We want a Sheffield where kids can ride to school safely, where cycling is normal, not brave.”
The group, alongside national campaigns like Sustrans’ Big Walk and Wheel, is working to highlight the urgent need for inclusive infrastructure as active travel becomes a growing priority in the UK.
The following Sunday saw a continuation of the movement with a Critical Mass ride—part of a global cycling tradition that aims to show the strength of cycling communities. The principle is that once a “critical mass” of people starts cycling, infrastructure follows, and more people feel safe to join in.
David Foxton, 34, an avid cyclist and personal trainer from Hallam Head, said: “The turnout was great, me and the kids went down together and it was an important cause. My kids want to ride their bikes to school, so I would like to see the infrastructure in Sheffield made safer for them to have that opportunity.”
The campaign now occurs in Sheffield monthly, encouraging Sheffield City Council to recognise the pleas from the community.
On the Sheffield City Council’s website, the transport strategy said: “We must ensure then that our transport infrastructure supports people of all ages to feel safe when travelling by public transport, walking or cycling.”
However, Sheffield local Oliver Wright, 25, based in the City Centre, said: “I’ve been saying this for years, from experience, sometimes the bike lanes are not designed very intuitively either, or are full of broken glass and detritus, meaning that they can end up not being fit for purpose.”
Organisers of The Big Ride are still keen to continue their efforts, reciting their motto ‘Make streets for people!’, and making Sheffield safer for all.