Kidical Mass Ride & Bike Stories – A Celebration of Bikes, Community, and Fun!

I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about two exciting events we have coming up at 2nd Cycle – the Kidical Mass Ride this Saturday, September 28th, and our annual Bike Stories event on October 5th. I thought it would be a great time to share some info about both and give you an example of the bike story behind Kidical Mass Tacoma.

What is Kidical Mass?

Kidical Mass is a legal, safe, and fun bike ride for kids, kids at heart, and their families. The event was first started in Eugene, Oregon in April 2008, and the idea has since spread to communities across the U.S. and around the world. The purpose is simple: to bring families together for a fun, low-pressure bike ride that explores neighborhoods and teaches participants how to ride safely in their city.

Here in Tacoma, Kidical Mass has a special history. The first ride happened in May 2013 as part of Bike Month, and since then, the tradition has continued to bring us 75 rides. Kidical Mass takes riders on a roughly 4-mile round trip, starting and ending at fun spots like parks, cafes, or greenspaces, with a stop in the middle to rest and enjoy the ride. These rides are not about speed but about having a good time together. Volunteers help guide the group and assist with tricky crossings, so everyone feels safe and supported.

Matt Newport, who was Tacoma’s first Kidical Mass ride leader, kept the event going for 10 years and has brought families all over Tacoma and taught so many families about safe cycling routes and little known parks all around the City of Destiny, Kidical Mass found a new home with 2nd Cycle, and since then, it has continued to grow. Jami Stavlo now coordinates the rides, and 2nd Cycle provides ride leaders to help promote and support the event, ensuring everyone can join in the fun while staying safe.

The point of Kidical Mass, as I understand it, is to give families a chance to explore their city, learn about safer routes, and enjoy the experience of riding together as a group. It’s a fun, relaxed way to get outside and connect with the community while building confidence on two wheels.

If this sounds like fun, join us this Saturday, September 28th 9:30am Riding out at 10am form South Park Playground, for a Kidical Mass ride through South Tacoma, where we’ll explore the Water Flume Trail! It’s a perfect opportunity to meet other families, ride together, and enjoy Tacoma’s beautiful neighborhoods. Click Poster for more info on Kidical Mass Tacoma

Every Bike Has a Story – And Bike Stories is Where We Celebrate Them!  

Speaking of community and bikes, our Bike Stories event is just around the corner on October 5th. This annual celebration is all about sharing the stories that come from life on a bike – whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just love hearing about adventures on two wheels.

Every bike has a story, and every cyclist adds their own chapter to the larger story of cycling. Bike Stories is a night to celebrate that shared experience, filled with storytelling, a Bike Fashion Show, an auction, and more. If you’re a cycling enthusiast or simply love hearing inspiring, funny, or heartfelt stories, Bike Stories is for you.

I hope to see you at Kidical Mass this Saturday as we ride through South Tacoma, or at Bike Stories on October 5th, where we’ll come together to celebrate 2nd Cycle, the community that keeps it going, and the incredible stories that bring us all together. Hopefully, that includes you! Click Alf to Register.

Mark your calendars:

- Kidical Mass Ride – Saturday, September 28th @ 9:30am, South Park Playground  

- Bike Stories – Friday, October 5th @ 6pm, Tacoma Armory  

See you there!

Leon Nettels

Executive Director