Critical Mass defies a neat definition. It is simultaneously revered, despised, and tolerated. Regardless of what you think about it, it’s important to remember that everyone does the ride for different reasons, and every city’s Mass has a different vibe.
Here in Portland, our ride is completely civil and law-abiding. Cyclists and cops even have regular get togethers to figure out how make the ride work better for everyone. Unfortunately, I think the intense political baggage of this ride sometimes weighs down the facts so I thought I’d share some photos from my archives that show a side of Critical Mass you’ve either never seen, or that you don’t want to admit exists.
I plan on being at the ride this Friday (5:45, NW Park and Couch). I think I’ll bring my 3 year-old daughter and show her how much fun it is to ride safely through the city with a friendly group of cyclists.
Wow. I love how you work with police in Portland. It’s really what should be done in Toronto too… it’s not as hostile as in NYC here, but CM’ers sometimes get tickets.
Funny no one in the pictures above is smiling.