Join us for a family-friendly, kid-focused group bike ride this spring! These “Kidical Mass” rides are fun bike parties that demonstrate that streets should be (and can be!) safe to use for all ages. Plus, all three rides will feature a midpoint stop to enjoy a sweet treat! Come for the ice cream, stay for the advocacy.
Routes are subject to change depending on road conditions, but will be between 2.5-3.5 miles total. During this summer series, we plan to pilot two distance groups, a faster/longer group and a slower/shorter group that will convene at the dessert stop at approximately the same time. Rides will last around 1 hour. We won’t run the event if it is actively raining, there is a threat of lightning, or the “feels like” temperature is >100°F. Follow Oaks and Spokes on Instagram for real-time updates.
| Date | Time | Starting/ending and dessert stop locations | Route | |
| Friday, June 26th | 5:30p gather (~6p roll) | Start/end: Green Hills County Park playground 9300 Deponie Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614 Mid-ride dessert stop: Summerton Park 10421 Summerton Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614 | Strava route (shorter) Strava route (longer) Google Maps routes | |
| Friday, July 17th | 5:30p gather (~6p roll) | Start/end: Walnut Creek Wetland Center 950 Peterson St, Raleigh, NC 27610 Mid-ride dessert stop: Pavilion near Biltmore Hills Park tennis courts Fitzgerald Dr, Raleigh, NC 27610 | Strava route (shorter) Strava route (longer) Google Maps routes | |
| Friday, August 7th | 5:30p gather (~6p roll) | Start/end: Eastgate Park 4200 Quail Hollow Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609 We recommend parking on the street, as there is limited space in the park Mid-ride dessert stop: 4801 Little Falls Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609 | Strava route (shorter) Strava route (longer) Google Maps routes |
View all rides/routes in Google Maps (interatcive)
Schedule:
Gather for all rides at 5:30pm; we’ll roll out around 5:50-6p. While we wait for everyone to get ready to ride, we’ll have a pre-ride party with activities like music, bike and helmet decorating, an obstacle course, free safety swag, and complimentary bike checks! Each ride will feature a short mid-ride dessert stop (e.g., freeze pops, popsicles, Italian ice cups; dairy-free options will always be available). We will return to the starting location around 7p.
Frequently asked questions:
How long are these rides? Are kids on training wheels or balance bikes allowed?
Our rides will follow a 2.5-3.5 mile loop and last approximately 1 hr. All routes contain some short hills (we live in the Piedmont!). Kids who want to ride independently should be able to balance, pedal, and brake on a two-wheeled bike. If your child hasn’t graduated from training wheels or a balance bike, we invite you to bring their bike to enjoy before the ride leaves, then use a trailer, cargo bike, or child’s bike seat for them during the ride itself.
I’m worried we won’t be fast or strong enough!
Every ride will have a lead and sweep to make sure no rider gets left behind, and we’ll have frequent stops (including our halfway-point dessert stop!) to make sure the group remains together. We’ll aim to ride at approximately the pace of our slowest group members. During this summer series, we’ll be piloting a faster/longer group and slower/shorter group.
Do I need to bring my own bike?
We strongly encourage you to bring your own bike (and helmet!) for both yourself and your family members. If you need to borrow a child’s or adult’s bike, reach out to our Programs Manager at kat@oaksandspokes.org to inquire about borrowing one from our fleet. Staff from Wake County’s Safe Routes to School program will be on hand to provide free helmets to kids and adults who need one.
Are rides ever cancelled due to weather?
Rides will not depart if it is actively raining or there is a threat of lightning, but if it’s lightly misting or the chance of rain is 60% or less, we’ll ride! Since these are summer rides, we’ll make sure the pace is nice and slow and will have water available at the start/end. We’ll still ride as long as the “feels-like” temperature is below 100°F. Follow Oaks and Spokes on Instagram for real-time updates.
Are helmets required?
Yes! By NC law, all children under 16 must wear a helmet. We urge parents and caregivers to model that behavior as well for kids – you are their role models, and helmets prevent traumatic head injuries at all ages. Staff from Wake County’s Safe Routes to School program will be on hand to provide free helmets to kids and adults who need one.
What if we need to stop or leave the ride?
You can stop at any time and walk or ride your bike to the start/end location. Sometimes kids just need a moment, get overwhelmed, get tired, or you’ve got another commitment – we get it! Let the sweep know you’re leaving the ride so we don’t think we lost you. We will try to provide an escort/marshal to ride along with you if you’d like.
I don’t have kids (but I’m a kid at heart!) – can I join?
Absolutely! We welcome support from adult volunteers to help marshal and sweep rides, provide traffic control at intersections, and accompany participants who may want to end early. Bring your enthusiasm and prepare for a slow, fun ride!