How to organise a mass advocacy ride

By Sophie Gordon
A group of people cycling in everyday clothes on different types of cycles
Mass rides through a town centre are a vibrant, visible way to demonstrate the demand for better cycle routes. Want to put on a ride where you live? Use our step-by-step guide

Cycling in a big mass of people brings safety in numbers, and it’s a liberating thing to be part of.

For local politicians, it shows there is a wide range of people who want to be able to cycle, combatting the stereotypical image they might have of what a ‘cyclist’ looks like.

Mass rides can be a great way to complement other types of cycle advocacy. They bring in people who aren’t keen to get involved with detailed consultations, but can spare some time to help out with a ride. When combined with political engagement, they can be a powerful tool.

Plus, importantly: they are great fun!

Summary

  1. Find some other people to help you out
  2. Pick a date and time. Is this a one-off, or do you want to make it a regular event?
  3. Choose your route. Keep it short! Think about any landmarks or places you want to include. Pick a start and finish point with space for people to gather.
  4. Recruit some marshals to keep everyone together and help manage junctions safely
  5. Sort out the admin: notify the police and maybe your council, and consider insurance
  6. Publicise your ride using as many methods as you can
  7. Contact the media with a press release. Remember to take some great photos on the day.
  8. Think about how to get your message across during the ride - you could use flags, chants or short video interviews
  9. Make it fun!

Online discussion: organising mass rides

Join us on Tuesday 19th August 18:00 -19:00 for an online discussion with campaign groups across the UK as they share practical tips and support for organising mass rides such as critical mass, kidical mass and 'light up the night' style rides.

Register to join

 

Campaigns policy public affairs Local cycle campaigning

My ride. Our right

Join our mass rides day of action on 22 October

Mass women's rides are taking place in towns and cities across the UK, to call for safer streets and routes designed with women's needs in mind.

We shouldn’t feel forced to choose between a busy road and a dark isolated path. There should be a route that feels safe and welcoming.

Could you organise a ride and put your town on the map?

Find out more

A big group of people is cycling along a city street at night. They're stopped at a red traffic light. There are adults and youngsters. There's leaves on the ground and the riders are wearing warm jackets

Online discussion: Tuesday 19 August

Hear practical tips and support for organising mass rides such as critical mass, kidical mass and 'light up the night' style rides.

Sign up

 

Further reading