In 2020, we gathered with a shared dream—to grow cycling culture in Nairobi and create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for cyclists. Together, we put down our vision for Critical Mass Nairobi on a board, outlining goals that we hoped would transform the way cycling is experienced in our city. Looking back now in 2024, we are proud to say that we have achieved well over half of what we set out to do, and we continue to grow and learn along the way.
Our Vision in Action
Our vision board was packed with ambitious goals: more rides, including off-road ones; pro-coaching for athletes; advocating for better policies; reclaiming bike lanes; beginner cycling training; teaching bike maintenance, traffic rules, and road safety; building a structured organization; and even pondering the idea of membership.
Today, we are thrilled to have made tremendous progress in many areas:
We launched 10 bike trains across Nairobi, providing safe, organized routes for cyclists to commute and explore the city.
Critical Mass Nairobi is now a registered legal entity, allowing us to operate more formally and advocate on a bigger platform.
We proposed and contributed to a bill in Parliament aimed at improving cycling infrastructure and safety.
Our Kids Critical Mass (Toto Mass) has taken off, with several rides and an increasing number of young cyclists joining the movement.
We undertook an intensive bike mapping exercise, reclaiming bike lanes in the process.
We've held three First Responders First Aid training sessions as part of our road safety program, equipping cyclists with life-saving skills.
One of our proudest achievements is launching beginner cycling classes. While still in its early stages, we are gearing up to make this an official and widely accessible program.
What We Haven’t Yet Achieved
Despite these milestones, there are a few goals we wish we had acted on sooner. One that stands out is the pro-coaching initiative. The idea was to connect cyclists with professional coaches who could help athletes improve their skills and foster a well-supported training environment for clubs and talented individuals. This remains a goal for the near future, and we are determined to pursue it.
Another topic that continues to be a conversation is membership. It seemed like a great idea at the time, but we’re still not entirely convinced that this is the direction we want to take. Critical Mass Nairobi belongs to everyone, regardless of club affiliation or personal background. While potential sponsors often ask for membership numbers, we value our open, inclusive structure and are hesitant to change that.
We also had plans for off-road rides, but with so much on our plates, this hasn’t materialized yet. However, we’re thrilled to see so many cyclists starting their own clubs and groups, organizing off-road rides independently. This sense of community-driven action makes us really happy and reaffirms the core of what Critical Mass Nairobi stands for.
We haven’t yet done bike maintenance classes either, but this is high on our list. Many people lack basic mechanical skills and bike handling techniques, which are essential for staying safe on the road or dealing with any unforeseen mechanical issues. We recognize the importance of equipping cyclists with these skills and hope to roll out these classes soon.
The Journey Continues
Of course, there have been bumps along the way. We’ve had our oops moments, and we acknowledge that there’s always room for improvement. But every step of this journey has been driven by our belief in building a cycling community—a community where every rider, no matter their experience or background, feels welcome and supported.
As we look ahead, we are grateful for the growth we’ve experienced and for everyone who has worked tirelessly to tick off the goals on our vision board. The journey is far from over, and we will continue to push forward, inspired by the belief that cycling can transform our city and our lives.
Let’s keep building, together.
For one to board a plane you start by walking from your house