More than 60 children and their families braved the weather for a cycle in Colchester.

Despite chilling showers last Saturday, kids and adults alike participated in the inaugural 'Park to Park' Kidical Mass Bike Ride, pedalling from Richmond Road playground near Abbey Fields, to the café at the Recreation Ground at Old Heath Road.

The cycle-savvy crew from Essex Pedal Power joined the ride from the Greenstead estate.

The event, first in a five-part series for 2024, was organised by cycling activists Jean Quinn, Kim and Simon Barnetson, who are committed to fostering the Kidical Mass movement in Colchester.

They aspire to make urban streets safe and inviting at 20 mph with more cycle paths, under the motto "Kids are traffic too" and "Space for the next generation."

Jean Quinn emphasised the joy and safety embraced by participating kids, and said: "It was marvellous to see so many children enjoying cycling together, waving at passersby who cheered them on whilst being able to ride safely on the road, which for some was the first time."

The ride finished at the Recreation Ground in New Town, where face painting, free bike registration and the time-honoured tradition of cake sharing cemented the vibrant cycling culture for the next generation.