Demonstrations for child-friendly traffic legislation

Mar 17, 2025Germany, Inspiring initiative, Sustainable Mobility

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Global demonstrations for traffic legislation that protects biking children

The Kidical Mass is a worldwide movement which has become active in Germany in 2017. The movement has inspired cyclists from all ages to ‘conquer’ the streets at colourful bicycle demonstrations, hereby advocating for child-friendly traffic legislation. The initiative finds that all children and young people should be able to ride their bikes safely and independently. Activists demand child-friendly, green places in which there are many and varied spaces for playing and for social interaction between all generations.

Global demand for change
On the weekend of 18 and19 September 2021, 25,000 children and their families took part in the Kidical Mass in over 130 countries around the world. It showed that people want change in every part of the world, both in rural and urban settings. The main demand of the movement in Germany was that the new federal government must prioritise child-friendly traffic legislation with a focus on independent and safe mobility for children. First and foremost, the demands include the introduction of Tempo 30 as the standard speed limit in built-up areas.

Germany as a bike-friendly country
The initiative is supported by ADFC, the largest advocacy group for cyclists worldwide with its 215,000+ members. They are committed to the traffic turnaround with focus on bicycles and thus for better climate protection, safety, health and quality of life. They want Germany to become a country with better traffic legislation, so that people on bicycles have more space and are better protected.

For children
The initiative focuses on children’s need for protection on their way to school, friends, sports clubs or the playground. To prevent any injuries and fatalities, cities and municipalities are encouraged to implement child and bicycle-friendly measures, not only at individual danger spots, but throughout cities.