Critical Mass Upcoming Ride - September 26th

The biggest obstacle for any bike commuter is often the vehicles we share the road with. Bikers are almost always forced to the side of the road, and acutely aware of the constant risk of accident and injury. I often find myself grateful to be given a thin strip of ‘lane’ dedicated just for me. Never mind the face that this lane is positioned directly next to parked cars which at any moment can threaten immediate danger with the mere opening of a door. What better way to make the public and our fellow, albeit vehicle driven, commuters more aware of our presence than to ban together in a show of dedication, perseverance, and just plain fun.

Critical Mass, which takes place on the last Friday of every month, depending on where you are located, began back in 1992 when a group of San Franciscan bike commuters decided to ride home together. It has since grown into a worldwide phenomenon promoting the use of bicycles as a positive means of transportation. The mass doesn’t claim to have any particular goals, doesn’t have set leaders or routes, and doesn’t have any rules or regulations. All you have to do to participate is bring some man powered wheels and enjoy moving around your city without the aid of a vehicle.

Critical Mass now takes place in over 300 cities around the world. I have had the pleasure to participate in masses of both large and small proportions. New Orleans draws a group of about thirty to, in true New Orleans style, drink beers and leisurely tour the city. Chicago gathers a much larger group, with numbers in the thousands. Also a true reflection of the city, this mass has a distinctly Midwestern feel, attracting everyone from young and old, families and teens, hipsters and business men. Surprising to me, the largest Critical Mass occurs in Budapest, Hungary twice a year and is said to draw around 80,000 bikers.

Indeed, the true beauty of the event is its ability to draw bikers together to enjoy the true beauty of a city, make new friends, and take back the streets. Critical Mass has become a true reflection of a city and a common worldwide love of biking. It is a great way for all commuters and bike enthusiasts to push their way from the edge of the street into the forefront and make a community more aware of our presence. Most masses meet at a prominent and central location around 6 PM on the last Friday of every month and will have an online information page. Find out if your city holds a Critical Mass and make your presence known!