From Pedal Power to Safer Streets - Hitchin Kidical Mass Backs 20mph Town Speed Limit
Hitchin Kidical Mass pauses in Market Place - over 200 were on the ride.
Over 200 cyclists recently took over Hitchin's roads for the latest Kidical Mass bike ride.
The family-friendly 2.6-mile marshalled ride from Ransoms Recreation Ground to Walsworth Common was a celebration of children cycling, but it also highlighted gaps in the town's cycling infrastructure and demonstrated the significant public appetite for safer streets.
The spectacular turnout comes at a critical time, as Hertfordshire County Council has officially opened a public consultation to introduce a widespread 20mph speed limit across Hitchin.
Research suggests that dropping urban speed limits from 30mph to 20mph transforms communities, especially for children and vulnerable road users, including:
- Lifesaving Differences: A person hit by a car at 30mph is five times more likely to be killed than at 20mph.
- Encouraging Active Travel: Fear of fast traffic is the number one barrier preventing parents from letting their children walk or cycle to school. Calmer, slower roads give children back their independence and foster healthier, more active communities.
- Healthier Neighbourhoods: Lower speeds reduce noise pollution, create smoother traffic flow, and make streets feel like welcoming community spaces.
- Negligible Impact on Journeys: Real-world testing shows that traffic moves most smoothly at speeds around 18–20mph, adding only mere seconds to typical local urban trips
Have Your Say: Complete the Hertfordshire County Council Survey
Kirsty, Kidical Mass Hitchin organiser and Cycling UK CAN local representative says:
The Kidical Mass ride proved Hitchin wants safer roads, but turning that vision into reality requires community action to actively support the proposed changes.
Don’t let this opportunity pass by!
Hertfordshire County Council wants to hear from anyone who lives, works, or travels through the area.