They came on balance bikes, cargo bikes, tandems, bikes with stabilisers, bikes with doll seats, and just plain bikes. But they filled the city with energy, and joy, and the tinkling of bicycle bells.

Organised by cycle campaign group Cyclox, Kidical Mass claimed the streets of Oxford for the afternoon in a marshalled family ride round the city. One of our reporters and our photographer Roger Close joined some 200 others on the ride. Can you spot yourself?

Kidical Mass rides have been taking place all over the UK, from Inverness to Exeter, and, indeed, worldwide, since the first ride in Eugene, Oregon in 2008. They’re a celebration of children cycling – but also an opportunity for children to practise riding on public roads and cycling paths, taking advantage of visibility and safety in numbers. They’re also a call to action to create awareness of children’s mobility rights and promote the idea that kids should be able to go by bike to school or to their leisure activities.

Today, feeder rides ran from Florence Park, Cutteslowe, Jericho, Headington, and Oatlands Rec.

The feeder rides processed through the city, to cheers from onlookers – particularly for the littlest riders, their faces fierce with concentration. They converged in Gloucester Green.

The riders then set off on a ride around the city. For some young riders, the feeder ride was the furthest they’d ever ridden, before they started the city ride. We saw mums and dads performing incredible feats of parenting, keeping their little pedallers literally on the straight and narrow, while keeping them fuelled with snacks and encouragement. We heard squeals of joy from some newer riders: “I wish it was always like this… CHAAAARGE!”

And then, all too soon, it was time to go home. The Clarion suspects some children will sleep soundly tonight.

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