What is Critical Mass?
Critical Mass is a worldwide movement to promote the use of bicycles as a viable means of transportation. It has arisen in response to what many call the "car-culture:" an overdependence on the private automobile. It is, more than anything else, a reclamation of space, a demonstration to show that the city belongs to people and not machines. Here is an excellent description of CM from former Minnesota masser Adam Kessel in response to Boston CM critics.
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How did it get started?
It started in August 1992 in San Francisco when a group of bicycle commuters decided to ride home together.
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Why is it called "Critical Mass?"
The name "Critical Mass"comes from Ted White's bike-umentary Return of the Scorcher. This video shows intersection crossing etiquette in China's big cities. Cross bike-traffic waits until it has enough riders, i.e., a critical mass, to push it's way through the intersection.
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I've heard that bike riders sometimes run red lights. Is this true?
The strength of the Mass is in it's close-knit unity as an organic body. It is sometimes necessary to ride through lights in order to maintain this unity. It is actually safer. Otherwise, car traffic is tempted to weave in and out among small groups of riders.
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When did Critical Mass start in Minneapolis?
Great question. Don't know, Anyone?
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Who runs Critical Mass?
While there is no organized structure, there are occasional meetings where anyone who wants to be involved beyond just the rides themselves can participate. They usually take the form of an informal gathering at someone's house or a bar.
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What do you talk about at the meetings?
Come to one and find out. How do I know when and where these meetings occur? Come to a ride. Ask around. Join the Critical Mass listserv @ egroups.com, bicyclelane. Also, the main page of this website lists upcoming events.
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Are CM rides sanctioned by the Minnesota Police Department?
We believe that riding our bikes in public streets does not require sanctioning by anyone. Bikes have as much right as cars to city streets. Police officers sometimes assist us by restraining cross-car traffic at intersections. However, we do not request such assistance. We prefer to "cork" the intersections ourselves.
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Why do you give out flyers on your rides? Who makes them and what do they say?
Most CM riders believe strongly that our city and country are too car-dependent, that cars use up too many resources, occupy too much space, and do too much damage. Bikes, they say, would be a partial solution to the car-glut that grips our cities. So, the flyers are usually designed to help educate motorists along those lines. Some people ride for more personal reasons: since Minnesota, like most cities in this country, provides little in the way of bike-safe routes, bike commuters are forced to compete with motorized traffic for road space. Unfortunately, some motorists do not recognize the right of bikers to the streets. The flyers sometimes carry messages promoting mutual respect between bikers and motorists. Anyone can make them.
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Who decides where to ride?
Anyone can make a map and distribute copies before a ride. If there is more than one map, each map-maker usually stands on a pedestal, promotes his or her map, and a vote is taken. In actuality, there are rarely more than a couple of route proposals, since map creation requires considerable time and effort. (Take a look at a good one). Sometimes the maps have "themes," such as a southside neighborhood tour; others are done to maximize exposure to traffic.
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Is Critical Mass anti-car?
Good question. There is certainly sentiment along those lines. However, "pro-bike" does not necessarily imply "anti-car." Many massers, of course, own and drive cars, but advocate using them appropriately, only when no other means is practical. Some riders favor "peaceful coexistence" with the car, while others, no doubt, would like to see a completely car-free city. But, in general, most massers just want to celebrate the joy of biking, and to share that feeling with others.
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Why are the rides the last Friday of every month?
Critical Mass is a worldwide movement. In order to enhance the feeling of solidarity with other riders around the world, the last Friday has become customary.
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Are the rides "athletic?" Do I need to be in shape?
No. People of all ages and abilities ride. The average speed is about 5mph. However, you should be in shape anyway, and if you ride your bike enough, you will be.
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Has anyone ever been arrested on a CM ride in Minnesota?
Unfortunately, yes.
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What is a "Minnesota Holdup?"
Occasionally, when CM riders move through intersections, they spontaneously lift their bikes over their heads. This is also called a "bike lift" or "bike salute" in other parts of the world. It is a symbolic gesture to emphasize our belief that bikes are superior to cars as a form of urban transportation.
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