Critical Mass is an event that began in San Francisco in the early 1990s and has since spread to hundreds of cities around the world. It usually occurs monthly (sometimes weekly). as bicyclists spontaneously come together to ride the ordinarily car-clogged streets of their cities. Critical Mass focuses on the rights of bicyclists and the rights of pedestrians on our own streets. It also brings attention to the deteriorating quality of life -- starting with the toxic levels of air and noise pollution -- that cars create for cities.
It is a leaderless ride, free and open to all, where bicyclists take to the streets to promote bicycling as the best means of urban transit.
Bicyclists are just as much traffic and have just as much right to be on the roads and travel at their own speed as anyone else. Having said that, TIME'S UP! recommends all road users obey all New York City traffic laws, especially one-way street restrictions and traffic lights. Remember, the respect we seek as cyclists must be matched by our respect for the rights of other people, including pedestrians and drivers.
Critical Mass is a bike ride, not an organization, and no two riders participate for exactly the same reason. "What is Critical Mass?" is a question that has as many answers as participants. The only real way to answer the question is to join the ride yourself. So what are you waiting for? Thanks to TIMES UP, a New York publication, for this article