Pedal power sees nearly 70 join Wellingborough's first Critical Mass ride

Nearly 70 cyclists of all ages took to the streets of Wellingborough for the town's very first Critical Mass ride.

After gathering outside Castello Lounge in the town centre on Friday (July 31) evening, the cyclists set off around the town.

A 'big snake' of cyclists could be seen riding in convoy through the streets of Wellingborough, including Silver Street, Church Street, Midland Road, the Embankment and London Road.

Samuel Shoesmith helped organise the event and said he felt 'so proud' of the town for getting involved and joining the call to improve the town's cycling provision.

He said: "Wellingborough's first ever Critical Mass was perfect.

"So many people attended, I was chuffed.

"The atmosphere was superb with people coming out of the houses and waving and cheering.

"The big group ride was quite a spectacle.

"People were coming up to me after saying how much they enjoyed it because they felt safe and the atmosphere was amazing.

"I'm really looking forward to the ride later this month which will maintain our pressure on the councils' needs to prioritise walking and cycling."

Rhoda Jones, six, was among the cyclists who took part and said: “It was amazing cycling with so many other bikes.

"It was like a big snake down the road!

"I loved it when people came out of their houses and clapped for us.”

Dez Dell from The Green Party said: "I really enjoyed the feeling of safety and security riding on our roads in a large group.

"It was great to see younger children with their families gaining the confidence to be on busy roads on their bikes.

"Lockdown really showed how peaceful our streets can be with many more people choosing to walk or cycle.

"The air felt so much cleaner, like you could really breathe.

"It's essential to move to more sustainable modes of transport to combat the climate crisis, but the council needs to be active in encouraging this."

Following the success of the town's first Critical Mass, organisers are planning to hold it on the last Friday of the month so Wellingborough's next event will be on Friday, August 28.

Anyone wishing to take part can meet outside Castello Lounge from 6.30pm and the ride leaves at 7pm.

This event's route took the cyclists from Castello Lounge before going along Oxford Street, Northampton Road, Westfield Road, Brickhill Road, Burns Road, Shelley Road, Queensway and back along Northampton Road and Oxford Street and round Church Street before heading back to Castello Lounge.

Samuel said they'll be stopping off for a break after a few miles on future rides and the roads they ride will vary each time.

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