Have you ever seen a group of cyclists riding through town to the sound of music and cheers?
They’re part of Critical Mass, a monthly event where cyclists take to the streets of Reading to remind others that bikes belong on the roads too, just as much as cars.
The first Critical Mass in the UK took place in London in 1994, inspired by a movement that began in San Francisco two years earlier.
Often described more as a celebration than a protest, the ride has no official organiser or leader. Anyone can join, and the route is decided spontaneously by whoever happens to be at the front.
In Reading, the ride was revived about two years ago by Kat and Sam, who now help coordinate its presence in the town. To them, Critical Mass is a space where people come for different reasons, each rider has their own motivation for showing up.
Unsupported, Unwelcome, and Unsafe
The Reading ride takes place on the last Friday of each month, with attendance ranging from just a handful to around 30 cyclists. After each ride, the group often gathers at a local pub to unwind.
But many say Reading remains a difficult place to cycle.
Sam, who moved from Oxford in 2019, was surprised by how car-centric the town felt. “The cycling infrastructure is very poor, or doesn’t exist at all,” he said, “there are so many roundabouts that are hard to navigate. It makes you feel like an intruder when you’re cycling.”
Matt and May joined Critical Mass for the first time this month, after friends recommended it. “The cycling lanes in Reading are just bits and bobs,” Matt said. “They don’t link up properly. You either take big detours or end up on dodgy roads full of cars.”
Aggressive driving is another frequent concern. Kat recalled a time when her four-year-old son, who occasionally rides on the road, was beeped at and sworn at by a driver. “It was totally unacceptable,” she said. “It’s scary for adults, let alone children.”
She also pointed out that newcomers to cycling often have nowhere safe to practise. “There’s almost no space in Reading that feels truly safe to ride in,” she added.
One Ride, Many Meanings
Kevin, originally from Liverpool, has lived in Reading for three years. He cycles to the station daily for his train commute, but doesn’t consider himself a cycling enthusiast.
“It’s just the most natural way to get around,” he said. “It’s cheap, convenient, and you get a bit of exercise. You don’t need a big reason to cycle. People should be able to do it just because they can.”
Samuel, who has lived in Reading for 13 years, sees the ride as a form of political expression. “Even if it’s just to annoy the car drivers, that means something,” he said. “We’re not taking over the roads. Cars are. This is a reminder that we’re here too.”
He believes the UK is lagging behind in supporting cyclists. “In France, where I’m from, you see more cyclists on the road every year. They’re becoming more visible, and infrastructure is improving. That’s what we need here.”
For Nesli, the ride offers a sense of connection. “It’s a chance to meet people who share your values,” she said. “It gives me a sense of belonging. That sense of community matters.”
What More Can Be Done?
Outside Critical Mass, groups like Reading Cycle Campaign also advocate for safer cycling in the town. Their members attend council meetings and work to bring cyclists’ concerns into policy discussions.
Sam said change is slow, but possible. “We know cycle infrastructure won’t be built overnight,” he said. “But even getting these issues on the council’s table means they might be more willing to put resources into it. That’s already a step forward.”
Kat is also working on a new initiative: a Cycle Hub in Reading that would offer bike rentals to locals and visitors alike, making cycling more accessible for everyone.
The town is also home to events like the Reading Cycle Festival, which returns this year to Christchurch Meadows on 14 September.
An activity with no leader is, in some ways, exactly how change should start. “It’s not just up to the council or the cyclists,” Sam said. “Everyone has to take part, that’s the only way we’ll see real change in this town.”
By Nathalie Chi
