Critical Mass -- March 2007
This was my second Critical Mass ride. The first was in July 2006, a month after illegal arrests on the June 2006 ride. July 2006 was a huge ride with hundreds of riders (maybe 500) and a supportive police escort. I knew that one wasn't typical so I thought I'd go again.
For years I've been anti-CM without having gone on a ride. In July I learned that the rides are tons of fun. Friday's ride was great fun too. It's a massive celebration of bikes and bike culture. All types of cyclists come out. My favorites are the ones who do something extra to their bikes for the event:
Sebastian was pulled 15 miles or so in this trailer and provided refreshments to those in need.
Human powered music on a human powered ride. Another group brought out a sound system and hauled it on a trailer behind a tandem.
The celebration is great and bigger than the ride itself. We did ride (loop around downtown, Elliot/15th out to Ballard, ending at Gasworks), but the route isn't what was important. I think that the public is startled, amused, and generally sees fun when they see a huge collection of folks riding down the road, playing music, talking, and having a good time on bikes.
I'm not as keen on the traffic blocking aspects. I don't think it helps with the message that I want to send (bikes are fun and practical means of transportation) when CM blocks intersections and prevents other forms of traffic from getting through. I like the idea of a mass and don't like seeing it break up, but I also like traffic controls and don't want to send the message that cyclists should ignore them. Part of me would love to see a different type of CM where traffic laws are obeyed and the group naturally breaks up and rejoins at different places around the city. Maybe it would work, maybe it wouldn't. CM is well established and I like most of what it is about. I'm going to embrace those aspects.
I'll be there next month for the party. I hope to see you there too.
Many more photos.