The “Children’s Velorution” arrives in Nice on Sunday, May 7. The association Nice à vélo is organizing the city’s first event of this kind to promote a bike-friendly and safe environment for children.
Fans of “Velorution,” this time the association invites children to hop on their bikes and ride. It’s a fun and peaceful way to campaign for their rights. “This festive and family-friendly bike parade aims to promote the use of bicycles as an ecological and active means of transport for families,” announces the Nice association.
This practice is already commonplace in several European cities. “Kidical Mass” is a combination of “kid” in English and “critical mass.” It is a cycling demonstration held on the last Friday of the month, simultaneously in about a hundred cities worldwide. The Velorutions are the French equivalent.
Giving a Voice to Children
“Space for the next generation.” That is the movement’s motto. It “aims to give children and young people a voice in public debate and to show them a possible future to envision.” The initiative seeks not to be limited to just the cycling community. It aims to reach the broadest possible audience. The goal is to demand suitable infrastructure so children can travel safely.
Being able to ride a bike to school from home is one of the demands championed by the association. A practice that is both ecological and beneficial for the health of the youngest. According to a study conducted by Nice à Vélo, out of 181 identified primary and nursery schools, 15 are located in the immediate vicinity of a safe bike path.
The second barometer conducted by IFOP in 2021 concerning “parents and home-to-school transport” reveals that for parents, the main obstacle to using active modes of transportation to school is safety.
Practical Information
The starting signal is set for *3 p.m.* at *Jardin Alsace Lorraine*. From 2:30 p.m., participants are welcome to decorate their bikes. The planned route is suitable for young children. It is a *four-kilometer circuit* without inclines or other challenges. Volunteers from the association will be present to ensure the ride is safe and pleasant.
The *presence of an adult is mandatory*. Helmets are non-negotiable for children under 12 and recommended for everyone. The event aims to be *inclusive*, so even on balance bikes, scooters, in child seats on an adult’s bike, or in an adapted cargo bike, toddlers can participate.
What if May Rhymed with Bicycle?
The first Kidical Mass in Nice is also a way to set the tone for May. The association is participating for the third time in the national initiative “May on a bike – A month to adopt cycling for life.” The State aims to encourage cycling across France by inviting communities, schools, and associations to challenge themselves. The goal: cover as many kilometers by bike as possible in one month. Last year, they covered 18,287 kilometers.
Nice à vélo unveils its *program* and invites participation in the following events and activities throughout the month:
– *May 6*: Journey to Italy (or almost…) – Bike ride towards the Mercato Italiano in Cagnes-sur-Mer
– *May 7*: Kidical Mass – The “Children’s Velorution”
– *May 13*: Promenade du Paillon: Bike exchange, mechanical workshops, mobility fresco with the Maison de l’Environnement, ViaVélo, Cyclotrope, and Nice-à-Vélo
– *May 21*: Bike Parade Cimiez à Vélo – With the Cycling Collective of the Cimiez-Carabacel Neighborhood Committee
– *May 23*: Movie Night – Screening of the film “Together We Cycle” followed by a debate with Olivier Schneider, president of the FUB. Cinema Belmondo.
– *May 28*: Azuréenne Convergence – Everyone to Antibes, with Choisir le Vélo, Cyclotrope, and other cycling actors from the Alpes-Maritimes.