(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
[*Please note: This article originally said Adams would attend the ride. Unfortunately there was a mix-up with organizers and his staff and we have now learned he is not 100% confirmed. He has been invited, he’s “interested in attending,” but he has not yet committed to it. — JM]
Portland’s beloved Kidical Mass is back for 2012 and, along with already having events scheduled through the end of the year, they’re expecting the Mayor to join in on the fun this month.
to meet other biking families.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
Event organizers say Mayor Adams’ office has confirmed he will be at this month’s edition. The ride starts near N Williams and Holman St. and heads to SCRAP where kids will have a chance to build a birdhouse. (The Mayor’s office did not comment on whether Adams would build a birdhouse himself.)
If you’re one of the few who hasn’t heard of Kidical Mass, here’s a brief history of how it came to be in Portland…
Kidical Mass was born in Eugene in 2008 when Shane MacRhodes (Eugene resident and Safe Routes to Schools Program Manager) wanted a way to celebrate a visit to the city by Ted White, the man who coined the term “Critical Mass.”
The family-friendly ride that declares “Kids are traffic too!” quickly spread to Portland and other cities, but our local Kidical Mass chapter fizzled a bit when its lead organizer moved to Washington D.C.
(nearly) rain-free ride in January.
(Photo courtesy Travis Wittwer)
After her departure, the torch was passed and events were informally organized for years. Last year’s attendance was lower than some hoped, so this year Katie Proctor stepped in to give the ride a boost.
Proctor (with the help of other parents) has already set dates for monthly rides through the end of 2012. January’s Kidical Mass had a great turn out and February’s ride is expected to bring out even more fun-loving families (especially if this weather holds up!).
Learn more at KidicalMassPDX.org.