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Critical Mass Times
"We're not blocking traffic... We ARE traffic!"

Spring 2005

Kevin Cole <kjcole@well.com>, Publisher On the web since Summer 1995

Critical Mass Rides (first Fridays) meet at Dupont Circle, 6:00 PM
See Map

Upcoming Critical Mass Rides (Washington, DC):
Join the mailing list
Links to Critical Mass elsewhere


BIG Upcoming Events Elsewhere

Ride of
Silence
RIDE OF SILENCE • MAY 18, 2005

The Revolution will not be motorized
BIKE SUMMER • JUNE-SEPT 2005 • LOS ANGELES

World Naked Bike Ride [World Car-Free Day, Sept 13-27] [National Bicycle Greenway]
World Naked Bike Ride
June 11, 2005
World Car-Free Days
September 13-27, 2005
National Bicycle Greenway

Thu, 23 Jun 2005: UPDATE: G8 Protest Against Global Warming details

See this PDF flyer for updated information on the G8 protest, July 5 - July 8.


Tue, 21 Jun 2005: G8 Protest Against Global Warming

Mason Payne of Greenpeace (USA) writes:

Nadine Bloch and I are organizing a 3-day protest at the White House to coincide with the G8 summit. This event will feature non-stop marathon bike circling of the WH for 72 hours to demand Global Warming action from W at the G8.

We are looking for organizations/groups/individuals to commit to supporting this effort signing up for 2-hour shifts and generally getting the word out.

We should have more info on this on the web [http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/] at some point today or tomorrow, and I plan to bring info to the ride Friday.

Greenpeace DC
(202) 462-1177
(800) 326-0959
info@wdc.greenpeace.org


June 3, 2005: Portland, OR update

Brian writes:

We have changed our email list to one on riseup.net:
http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/pdxcriticalmass

We have a new website with its own domain now:
http://RoseCityCriticalMass.org/

The rides are still taking place at the "North Park Blocks" at 5:30 (leaves at 6:00), but rather than describing the place as "9th & Burnside" we're using "NW Park & Couch" since this better describes the part of the park where people start meeting.

Exciting things have been happening for Portland's CM. We've had regular meetings with the Portland Police to reach comprmises and understanding on some things, and have achieved a ride with less harrassment, more bike officers and fewer in autos / motorcycles, and a much more "feel-good" ride with less tension. This has been largely the result of a few dedicated CM riders willing to go to meetings and print up flyers for riders, etc. If you're interested in all that, there is quite a bit of info on the new website and also on portland.indymedia.org (search on "critical mass").


May 18, 2005, 7:00 pm: Ride of Silence

Join cyclists nationwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on America's public roadways.

See http://www.rideofsilence.org/ for details.


March 28, 2004: Bike Conference, May 2004

From: BobWölfé Jung2 <wolfe23@SoftHome.net>

Bike!Bike! - Alternative Bike Shop conference - May 2004 (New Orleans- hosted by PlanB)

BobWölfé Jung2, K.S.C.
Program Coordinator
Recycle Ithaca's Bicycles


March 27, 2004: World Naked Bike Ride, June 12

From: Sw. Virato <virato@mindspring.com>

We go riding naked on June 12. PASS THE WORD! See http://newfrontier.com/asheville/naked. [See also World Naked Bike Ride. — KJC]


December 11, 2003: A suggestion

Chad Cooper writes:

This is a letter I sent to my local liberal mag.....Chad

Dear Flagpole:

The First Amendment grants the people of the U.S. the freedom of speech and the right to assemble, not to make public nuisances of themselves. Critical Mass, FTAA and IMF protests do more to damage the "cause" than anything I can think of. Now, I am all for civil disobedience, but there is a time and a place. If you really want to make a difference, be conscience of how you spend your money. Support your local food co-op. Buy from local and organic farmers. Ride the bus, bike, or walk to work. Don't vote for war-loving presidents. And know this: The NUMBER ONE WORLD WIDE POLLUTER is the United States Department of Defense which generates 750,000 TONS of toxic waste material annually, more than the five largest chemical companies in the U.S. COMBINED. This pollution occurs globally as the U.S. maintains bases in dozens of countries and takes it upon themselves to use the planet as their personal garbage can. Not only is the military emitting hightly toxic materials directly into the air and water, it's poisoning the land of nearby communities resulting in increased rates of cancer, kidney disease, increasing birth defects, low birth weight, and miscarriage.

So please, if your upset with the way things are, don't waste your time congregating in public, disrupting traffic (and annoying potential sympathizers). Otherwise you might become intimately acquainted with rubber-bullets, tasers, tear gas or police batons. We need the activists healthy and out of jail, spending, voting and living wisely.

Chad Cooper
Athens


June 24, 2003: New Buffalo, NY Crit Mass web site

Site moderator Thomas Woods has written to inform me that Buffalo, NY, Critical Mass has a new web site. The URL is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Critical_Mass_of_Buffalo_NY.


November 18, 2002: Kid Mass, and other Italian News

From toni_i toni_i@insiberia.net:

Last Sunday morning in the centre of Milan, Italy there was the first Critical Mass for Kids. Here some pics: http://italy.indymedia.org/news/2002/11/112442.php

At the Florence HUB -European social forum- many c-massers from different cities had the rare and precious possibility of meeting those brave Zaragoza (Spain) c-massers inventors of ciclonudismo, i.e.: naked critical mass!

In Florence we did a "Bikes to the People" manifestation a quasi-critical mass to support the anti-war movement. Pics here: http://italy.indymedia.org/news/2002/11/108008.php

baci e bici
kisses and bikes

http://inventati.org/criticalmass
cm-crew@inventati.org

"La bicicletta è il veicolo più rapido nella via della delinquenza; perchè la passione del pedale trascina al furto, alla truffa, alla grassazione!"

-Cesare Lombroso-


October 7, 2002: DC's Critical Mass site

I received mail over the weekend, informing me that in addition to the Solidarity Ride, the Crit Massers of DC have a new(?) web site. You'll find them at http://cm-dc.mahost.org/.


October 19, 2002: Just Earth! and Stop ExxonMobil National Day of Action

Amnesty International USA's Just Earth! has become involved with the Stop ExxonMobil Alliance and is encouraging folks to Take Action October 19, 2002.


December 1, 2001: Become part of history

Hey! Wanna be part of history? I just got a message from Chris Carlsson — considered by many to be the "founder" of the original Critical Mass (though he'll tell you he was just one of several).

Date: Sat, 01 Dec 2001 17:19:33 -0800
From: Chris Carlsson <ccarlsson@shapingsf.org>
Subj: cm history book

Here we are, still rolling! We just had a nice Nov. 30 CM yesterday, relatively nice between-storm weather, and a jolly crowd of about 350+.

Anyway, I'm soliciting articles and photos from around the world of Critical Mass to be edited together in a 10th anniversary book, to be published in time for the September 2002 ride in San Francisco.

I have two publishers interested, both small and not rich, but willing to go forward with the idea (City Lights Books and AK Press)... who knows, it may even end up being a joint venture.... I don't know what I can offer by way of payment to contributors yet, but I'm sure there'd be some token fee for each article and photo used.

By the way, the CM history URL has changed to:

http://www.scorcher.org/cmhistory/

—Chris

Chris is also the lead creator of the acclaimed "Shaping San Francisco" (www.shapingsf.org). This is a really cool multi-media social history/urban anthropology project. Be sure to check it out.


May 25, 2001: Critical Running Mass

From Scott Metzger <notsosketchy@yahoo.com>

Just thought I'd let you know about Critical Running Mass (it's a spin-off of Critical Mass, which takes place in San Francisco, CA). Critical Mass and Critical Running Mass have been joining forces in San Francisco since 1997. We're now trying to spread the word and increase numbers dramatically.

You can read about Critical Running Mass at this link: http://www.notsosketchy.com/crm.html


May 21, 2001: Oklahoma City Critical Mass Summer Ride: June 4, 2001

Two Wheeler <okcritical@msn.com> writes:

Critical Mass • Summer Ride 2001 • June 4, 2001, 4:30 pm

Meeting spot will be The Cairo Coffee Co. 3009 Paseo Dr.

Ride starts at 4:30 p.m. Please be present by 4:00 More Information can be obtained by contacting Joey Burnheart okcritical@msn.com An Alternative Transportation Event

Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller blades, Scooters, and any other form of alternative modes of transportation are welcome to attend. Maps of ride will be available by contacting us online (okcritical@msn.com) and requesting one or on the day of event.

In order to ensure a positive outcome for the event Safety Gear is recommended. Helmet and other laws are to be obeyed.

Oklahoma City Critical Mass Goals:

  1. To create attention, a platform and a voice for alternative transportation, (mainly bicyclists and supporters of a better mass transit system) in OKC.
  2. This attention will help in bicycle/car safety relationships.
  3. To encourage people in OKC to consider using bicycles as alternative to cars.
  4. To help necessitate the need for more bike lanes throughout the OKC metro including but not limited to Moore, Edmond, Norman.
  5. To beautify our community, by removing some cars from the streets for a few hour time period, and taking the time to enjoy the Paseo District, Heritage Hills, The Memorial, Downtown, Bricktown, and the new Deep Deuce.
  6. Please come for your own reason. Do not come, or not come for reasons due to other people's beliefs or disbeliefs. Come on your own terms for your own reason and have fun!

May 17, 2001: Web site correction

Just a little correction from: Randy Ghent, of Car Busters <rghent@freemail.com.au>

World Car-Free Day was initiated by Car Busters (www.carbusters.ecn.cz), not Adbusters. Adbusters jumped onboard later on, after the concept had been dreamt up, the date had been chosen, and the initial organizing had taken place.


May 11, 2001: Response to Anti-CM Legislation article

From Michael Bluejay

Your headline "Anti-CM Legislation" in the first news item is inaccurate; the proposed bill has nothing to do with Critical Mass. The supposition that the bill is targeted at CM reflects, unfortunately, an arrogance on the part of some CM-ers. While we all want to fight the good fight, there's nothing noble about making imagined claims of persecution. Here's my letter about this issue which was printed in The Javelina.

Re: 1-31-01 article, "Anti-Cycling Bill Would Outlaw Critical Mass"

Dear Editors:

Your subtitling of the above-referenced article as "SB238 Would Outlaw Critical Mass" is curious for several reasons:

  1. It's not true. The bill would NOT outlaw Critical Mass.
  2. The bill would require cyclists to wear slow-moving vehicle emblems and to ride single-file. While this may make CM seriously inconvenient, it would not OUTLAW Critical Mass, as you put it. Your attempt to link CM to roads such as FM969 or FM2222 is spurious, to say the least. When has local CM *ever* used these roadways? (The FM portion, not the local portion. Even use of the local portion is extremely rare.)
  3. Critical Mass is ALREADY against the law, at least the way it's practiced in Austin, with cyclists taking up every single lane on every single roadway, riding as many abreast as they possibly can, and engaging in confrontational behavior with motorists. Given that CM is already illegal, what exactly is the point in (falsely) claiming that a new bill will outlaw it?
  4. The fact that the subtitle refers to Critical Mass reflects a certain arrogance, as though the implications for Critical Mass are the most important thing about this bill. Far from it. The bill would affect cyclists all over the state whose numbers simply dwarf CM riders. The effect (or lack thereof) of the bill on Critical Mass is insignificant compared to the serious statewide effects on large numbers of cyclists, especially the precedent-setting aspects, which could spread to other states, or simply just set the stage for further eroding cyclists rights in this state.

Michael Bluejay
CriticalMassHub.com
BicycleAustin.com


January 17, 2001: Anti-CM Legislation

Forwarded by Bill Stender <bstender@earthlink.net> the "RingMaster of Critical Mass Ring".

From: Saintlouis CriticalMass <stl_criticalmass@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: Chicago Critical Mass <chi-crit-mass@listserv.uic.edu>

Sounds like an anti-CM law. OPPOSE THIS!!

TEXAS BILL TO LIMIT BUNCHES

Want to ride in groups of more than three in Texas? The following bill proposes to curtail that, if and when it comes into force on September 1 and therefore has serious implications for organized cycling events in that state. The representatives concerned may be contacted via the following:

TX Senators
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/senmem.htm
TX Representatives
http://www.house.state.tx.us/house/member.htm
The Bill online
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/tlo/textframe.cmd?LEG=77&SESS=R&CHAMBER=S&BILLTYPE=B&BILLSUFFIX=00238&VERSION=1&TYPE=B

By Senator Wentworth - S.B. No. 238

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the safe operation of bicycles on roadways.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 551.103, Transportation Code, is amended by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:

(c) Persons operating bicycles on a roadway shall ride single file [may ride two abreast. Persons riding two abreast on a laned roadway shall ride in a single lane. Persons riding two abreast may not impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic on the roadway. Persons may not ride more than two abreast unless they are riding on a part of a roadway set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles].

(e) Persons operating bicycles in a group of three or more bicyclists may not ride on a farm-to-market or ranch-to-market road that is without improved shoulders.

SECTION 2. Section 551.104, Transportation Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:

(a) A person may not operate a bicycle unless the bicycle is equipped with:

(1) a brake capable of making a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement;
     and
(2) a slow-moving-vehicle emblem, as defined by Section 547.001, that conforms to the requirements of Section 547.703(a).

(d) Subsection (a)(2) does not apply to a person operating a bicycle on a path set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2001.

January 12, 2001: moab, utah critical mass rides

From: Sasha Reed <mss@lasal.net>

Moab's critical mass is riding again. We started off with a bang at a Christmas Light Parade with over 40 riders (this is a pretty big deal for a town of 5000). Our next ride will be on Feb 17, 2001. The ride will begin at New City Park @ 4:30, and will end up around 5:00ish at the Chile Pepper Bike Shop for dinner and a big hoe-down. This is part of the Chile Fest Mountain Bike Festival.

Future rides: Beyond that the schedule is a bit sketchy, we are departing from the monthly schedule to take advantage of several events to boost our turnout and exposure. So heres what i know:

2001 CM rides

For historical purposes critical mass began in Moab in Sept 1999 with monthly rides till about March 2000, then interest kinda waned. The pinnacle of our existence was the very first ride with about 65 riders and a few dogs. New Years Eve 1999 and this years X-mas parade were also especially cool.

matt the fuck, moab


August 15, 2000: 71 CYCLISTS ARRESTED IN BICYCLE ADVOCACY DEMONSTRATION

See Los Angeles Critical Mass Page for details.


May 12, 2000: Special DC Solidarity Ride, May 18!

David Bryden, Outreach Coordinator, Jubilee 2000/USA <dbryden@j2000usa.org> send a notice of a Jubilee 2000-oriented Solidarity Ride: the "End the Debt" Cycle - Thursday, May 18.

For more details see "End the Debt"


May 10, 2000: Update on St. Louis

Dan <stl_criticalmass@yahoo.com> sent an update to the CMT:

The St.Louis Mass meets at Kiener Plaza the last Friday of every month at 5:30PM regardless of weather. The website for Saint Louis Critical Mass is http://www.stlcriticalmass.org/


February 28, 2000: A special report from Damon in Melbourne

Check out Melbourne CMass rides the South Eastern Arterial! a special report from Mass-er and "WebMasser" Damon ( http://www.vmore.org.au/~damon/cm/feb00).


February 20, 2000: Critical Mass Rochester

Maria <mariawh@libertymail.com> writes:

"WE are still active. After our winter hiatus we are planning to sttart riding again Friday March 31, 2000. We still meet at church of the Annunnciation , 630 East Ave, Rochester, NY. We are also getting a web site together."


October 29, 1999: Atlanta Critical mass in the news

Jeff Mahr <jmahr@emory.edu> of the "Urban Cyclist Liberation Front", Atlanta Chapter writes:

A little encouraging update from the heart of the south: one of the reporters for our newspaper, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, interviewed me for an article he is doing on Critical Mass in Atlanta. Its only going to be in an insert magazine ("Atlanta At Play"), but I will take anything we can get. One of the AJC staff photographers is is going to be at today's [Oct 29, 1999] CM ride, I just hope it isn't him and me — because I am pretty sure he ain't on a bike!


August 2, 1999: WBUR Radio show on Bicycle Activism, August 3, 1999

News from Jim Nourse <jnourse@WBUR.BU.EDU> Content Producer, "The Connection" at WBUR, 90.9FM:

WBUR, the NPF affiliate station in Boston, will be airing an hour talk show tomorrow on "Bicycle Activism." WBUR also has a live feed (streaming audio) on the Internet. For more information, tune in to http://www.wbur.org/connection/con_03b.shtml.

The blurb for tomorrow's show will be posted at approx. 10:00pm EST tonight, and the show will air tomorrow morning at 11:00am EST.


July 20, 1999: Chapel Hill/Carrboro and other NC locations

Seth of Pedalers Express <ped-ex-nc@juno.com> says that several cities in North Carolina, including Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, and Boone, have massed, and that the Chapel Hill/Carrboro ride is still going strong.


July 19, 1999: Rochester, NY

Dunno if they're still doing it, but I found out that my old home town had at least one Mass this past spring. According to the Rochester Greens http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Congress/9892/greenlight/, the ride met at the Church of the Annunciation, 962 East Ave, Friday April 30th 1999 at 5:15 pm.


June 9, 1999: Pioneer Valley, MA, Atlanta, GA and Chicago, IL

Pioneer Valley, MA, Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA have all recently announced web pages. Look for them in the Table of Links at the bottom of this page.

(Side note: Jeff Mahr said Atlanta, GA's inaugural ride on May 28, was a success, despite some fears from the more moderate bike community. No hostilities, possibly even some new recruits. The next ride is a more ambitious, and somewhat longer ride through a busier part of town.


May 17, 1999: Kritische Masse! Vienna, Austria

Bernhard Redl wrote to let me know that Vienna, Austria now has a CM web page at:

http://akin.mediaweb.at/andere.gruppen/critical.htm


April 25, 1999: Santa Fe has a Critical Mass web page

Tom Trowbridge <ttrowbridg@earthlink.net> maintains the Santa Fe CM page, and hopes to have their pre-ride newsletters on-line in the near future. The page can be found at:

http://home.earthlink.net/~ttrowbridg/sfCmass/


April 17, 1999: Critical Mass InOrbitt Tour Aross Asia & Europe

Rory McMullan writes:

From: InOrbitt International <inorbitt@yahoo.com>

Dear All,

We are organizing a ride across Asia and Europe and if there is enough interest continueing thru America and onto Asia.

The idea is to use bikes and public transport to travel, and the aim is to create media attention for alternative transport (and to have a good time).

It is open for anyone, if you have the time and inclination then you can come on all or any of the ride. I have prepared a schedule and initial route.

The idea is to take Critical Mass values and take them travelling. Every participant has an equal say in how best to do this. I hope that you can help me publisize the trip.

Thank you!
Rory McMullan

Click here for further information on the InOrbitt Tour.


April 16, 1999: Dublin Ireland , New website

Dermot <bigmuz@tinet.ie> writes:

The dublin cycling campaign has got a new website. Among the usual moans it contains a lot of good news about the changing attitude of the 'authorities' in the few years we have been active. Constant dripping wears a stone.

http://www.connect.ie/dcc/

Keep the faith and thanks for the poster space.


February 26, 1999: Johannesburg, South Africa

"Dockside SAEPInt2" <saepint2@dockside.co.za> informs CMT that Johannesburg, South Africa has joined the Mass. They launch their first ride TOMORROW! (Saturday, February 27, 1999) See their Press Release for more info.

January 31, 1999: Blacksburg, VA

Pierre Grzybowski <pgrzybow@vt.edu> has provided the Times with a link to their new CM web site: http://www.slac.com/tree/criticalmass/.

The following are some CMT news articles that fell through the cracks. My apologies.

Deccember 3, 1998: 18 arrested in Portland, Oregon Critical Mass

Tony Moreno <tmoreno@ix.netcom.com>

Hello to all! Hopefully you had a pleasant thanksgiving and had plenty of the ol stuffing. Unfortunately, my holiday was cut short a bit by an event that occurred on friday night, which is the reason for this letter.

I was attending a Critical Mass ride for my first time up here in Portland. Critical Mass, for those who don't know, is a loose collection of people that gather together to ride about town. Started six years ago in the bay area, it has spread across the world, with rides organized in places such as Switzerland, Australia, and Brazil. Currently the bay area rides claim numbers in the thousands for their monthly rides. Some join the rides for the statement it makes against pollution and the gridlock that cars create (which biking can alleviate). Others hope to bring attention for motoristst that they are not the only vehicles on the road; for these, the rides commemorate other bicyclists' deaths and injuries. Others feel that it encourages people towards the activity of biking, whether it be for commuting to work, going to the store, or simply recreation.

The bicyclists in Portland met with numerous police cars, along with mounted police and cops on bikes. A total of 18 people were arrested, myself included. Some were physically threatened by the police at the moment of their arrest, while others, such as myself, were arrested as we walked our bikes on the sidewalk. Our bikes were confisticated, and we were then handcuffed, fingerprinted and photographed numerous times, and held in jail for ten hours, some for even longer. We were charged with the misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct, as there is a clause that says that if we as a group decide to break traffic laws or hold up traffic with some sort of private, non-peace agenda, we are guilty, even without proof that these laws were committed. There is only the intent that they need.

We are presently facing court hearing dates. my court date, by the way, was given as December 24th.

I hope to go further into details with this, but am now concerned about my impending court date, and the time spent away from my family. right now i'm hoping to get an e-mail campaign in support of Critical Mass, and for biking in general. When our bikes were taken, we were told that they may be held as potential evidence.

Today, Thursday, I was informed that the bikes may now go back to our possession. However, the hours that the office where we need to get our bikes back is open from 10 til 4:30. Not exactly easy when you've got an 8 to 5 job.

I further urge you to write to the addresses below, as the holding of the bikes was a further slap to the face. One is the address for the Mayor of Portland, the second is the Oregonian, Portland's main newspaper, and the others are commissioners, whom I am sure would appreciate e-mails regarding this issue.

Also, forward this on to anyone you feel would be concerned about this issue.

Thank you for your time,
Tony Moreno
http://pw1.netcom.com/~tmoreno/home.html

Also, if you have any info regarding legal decisions, that'd be great!!!


December 15 1998: 'Twas the Night of the Crit Mass

Mark Motyka <mark@mathleague.com>

Howdy web wheel people, and Happy Holidays!

Here's a poem I wrote to put on holiday cards to pass out to drivers at this month's SF Critical Mass. I plan on printing it landscape on letter stock, 2 columns for the inside of the card. On the front, I think I'll put a graphic of happy cyclists, and a slogan like "Our gift to you is clean air, quieter neighborhoods, and safer streets". On the back, I plan on putting some tips on sharing the road safely. The letter stock then gets folded in half to make a "card".

You're welcome to use the poem if you like. Forward wherever.


December 22, 1998: Critical X-Mas Pictures, and Zurich news

Bobby C. Mass <criticalmasszh@altern.org>

Dear CM-Friends all over the world,

  1. Christmas is very near, and so is the Critical Mass December 1998 edition. In many cities CM happens this year exactly on Christmasday itself, or at least on a day near Christmas. Because this is really a special event, a participant of the Zurich-Mass had the idea that we should collect pictures of this year's December Mass from all over the world, and than publish them on a "Critical X-Mas 1998"-webpage. What do you think of this idea? If you like it too, please take some pics and mail them or any comments and suggestions to criticalmasszh@geocities.com.

    It isn't clear yet on what server the "Critical X-Mas"-Site should reside. There is however a lot of memory free on our site being located on geocities, but this is not the optimal solution because of the annoying Geocities-advertisements. Maybe there is someone who has access to a commercial-free server and would like to sacrifice one or two megs of space for this project.
  2. The CM-Zurich-Site (http://criticalmass.home.ml.org/ or http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/8622/) was updated again in November/December of this year. It should know be kept up to date permanently again. Please have a look at it, if you would like to know what's going on here. The court of justice Zurich has recently confirmed three fines which have been imposed upon one Critical Mass participant. Including the court fees he has to pay 4'350 Swiss Franks to the State. Backgrounds and detailed facts are available, but for the moment only in German. Please mail if you are interested into more detailed facts in English.

Critical New Year!

January 18, 1999 update: Critical Mass Zurich: our site has moved!

Our site moved to: http://altern.org/criticalmasszh/

Our email has also changed: <criticalmasszh@altern.org>

Altern.org has no advertisement, is faster and more userfriendly, as long as you speak French. Thanks to Tim from Stoke-on-Trent for the hint!

For those wondering what happened to the Critical X-Mas '98 Photoproject: I have not found enough pictures to do it. Some pictures of CXM Zurich can be found at http://altern.org/criticalmasszh/bilder98.html. You can compare them to pictures made exactly on the other end of the earth, if you going to the Melbourne site: http://www.vmore.org.au/~damon/cm.

It's still my dream to see a CM-Site with fotos made at the same month's CM, one foto for each city of the growing global Critical Mass community...


January 12, 1999: Taichung follows Taipei

Rory McMullan <roryer@yahoo.com> writes:

Taking the lead from the meet in Taipei the second city in Taiwan and the home to Taiwan's thriving bicycle industry, Taichung will hold its first meet on the 24th jan.

The mayor here is a democrat and unlike the capital Taipei where the liberal mayor was voted out. She's one a good radical lady and she is making some good environmental pushes and with a little luck and alot of pursuading we could see some changes to the traffic problems here which are fast approaching the mess one sees in Taipei!

We will meet at the sogo depatment store at 11am on Sunday 24th jan.

Anyone who wants more info should contact Rory on 04 372 9328 or by e mail roryer@yahoo.com.

November 20, 1998: Taipei, Taiwan's Massing...

The innaugural Critical Mass ride in Taipei, Taiwan is to take place on Saturday November 21st. Riders are to assemble at the main gate to the central campus of Tai Da on the corners of Roosevelt and Hsin Sheng roads at three pm on Saturday. The ride will follow a return route out to the Mucha campus of Zheng Da. For more local information in English call (2) 2553-0668, in Chinese: (2) 2737-4965, or email to <cmasstpe@hotmail.com>.

November 15, 1998: Tokyo Update and Paris info

Hop <oldxeye@crisscross.com> writes (via Damon):

The inaugural Tokyo Critical Mass ride was well attended by 35 or so cheering, bell-ringing cyclists. Setting out from Harajuku at 4.30pm "The Mass" wound its way through Shibuya and on to Hibiya Park, finishing around 6pm.

Critical Mass rides take place on the last Friday of every month. Next Ride: 27 November 1998. Meet at 4pm at the waterfall-fountain in Shinjuku Central Park (Shinjuku Chuo Koen) near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office. "The Mass" will set off at 4.30pm and finish about an hour later at the outdoor music auditorium in Hibiya Park.

Photos and future ride details can be found at:

http://www.crisscross.com/users/oldxeye/TokyoCriticalMass/

And from Damon <damon@hyperlink.net.au>, Geoff <guerilla@earthling.net> and Randy Ghent <carbusters@wanadoo.fr> (one of the car busters people in Lyon, France):

The Paris Critical Mass is the first Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. at Place de la Bastille. This is the monument that marks the site of the original rebel street party, in July of 1789, when enraged citizens stormed the prison (the Bastille) freeing prisoners and fueling the Revolution that led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the First Republic.

There are also rollerblading parties (several thousand people) every Friday evening at 10 p.m. departing from Place d'Italie.

[Other reference source: http://www.pacificnews.org/jinn/stories/4.01/980115-bike.html]

October 27, 1998: Tokyo

This just in via Damon: Tokyo is having their first Critical Mass this Friday, October 30. Go here for details. E-mail contact: oldxeye@crisscross.com.

October 22, 1998: Memphis, TN

The following announcement comes from Robin Richards <rlrchrds@latte.memphis.edu> courtesy of Damon, MASSter of Australian CM websites:

"I have just finished getting the city ordinance for the first Critical Mass in Memphis,TN. We have a lot of people that travel by bike and hardly any car drivers that give a shit. We have, collectively, a million stories and incidents of road-rage being taken out on bikers, thus we decided to take action. Surprisingly, the city was all for it. The date has been set for Friday, October 16 meeting at 4:00 pm and departing for downtown rush hour traffic at 4:30."

October 10, 1998: The Spirit of St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri has joined the Mass. The contact person for the St. Louis Mass is James Roseberry, who can be reached by e-mail at <jroseberry@pistrui.com>. "We're just getting started but we make up for in enthusiasm what we may lack in experience!" wrote Mike Murray <bikemike@midwest.net>

October 2, 1998: San Marcos, TX changes frequencies

Janice McKeachern (Critcal Mass, San Marcos, TX) <jm38431@swt.edu>, writes:

"The KIND radio station frequency has changed to 103.9. A corporate radio station emerged on our (old) frequency and blew us off the air. The new frequency has more watts so hopefully we are reaching more people about Critical Mass."

September 19, 1998: Green Party, Berlin, and other tidbits.

Hi gang. Your lowly servant and publisher here. It's been a busy summer for me, and I haven't been keeping up with the updates to the CMT. Among other things, I've been campaigning for two Green Party candidates running for office in Washington, DC.

The July Solidarity Ride brought us a visiting rider from Berlin, Germany. [Check out a more recently updated Berlin site. — KJC] Otto Mayr <Ottofive@aol.com> informed the CMT that Berlin has been having CM rides since September '97 and they now have a web site at http://www.critical-mass.net/.

There are people occuping condemed houses in Minneapolis, MN to stop a BAD reroute of a highway. On August 28, Critical Mass visited in solidarity. The report "Images of Critical Mass in Minneapolis," comes from both Tom Taylor <Fredlud@aol.com> and Jon S. Roesler <jon.roesler@sunny.health.state.mn.us>. Thanks, guys.

August 6, 1998: Minneapolis Mass

Susanne Spitzer <susanne.spitzer@pca.state.mn.us> writes:

If you haven't heard, Critical Mass hit Minneapolis last Friday. No web pages yet, but there was a newspaper article at www.pioneerplanet.com. Do a search once you get there. There was something in the Pioneer Press (the St. Paul paper) last Saturday on it. Last Friday was apparently the third or fourth event.

July 30, 1998: Dublin Cycling Campaign

Dermot <bigmuz@tinet.ie> writes:

Dublin calling. The Dublin Cycling Campaign now has a website. We're at http://members.tripod.com/~dublinbike/ or search on webcrawler for "dublin cycling".

There's a lot of positive things happening in Dublin, with the city corporation coming around to the view that cycling is a more efficient use of the limited roadspace and bike lanes going in on most main routes. In fact the new city manager is a dedicated cyclist.

Yours in cycling solidarity,
Dermot

July 8, 1998: The UnOfficial Australian CM Jumpsite and Chicago

Damon <damon@hyperlink.net.au> continues to expand his listings of Australian Critical Mass sites. Highly recommended as a central clearinghouse for many if not most Australian Critical Mass pages. Check it out at: http://home.hyperlink.net.au/~damon/cm/australia/

In poking around in the Critical Mass Webwheel I noted that Chicago, IL has a rather large web site up. Check 'em out.

July 2, 1998: Critical Mass in San Marcos, TX

D L Benson <cen47196@centuryinter.net> writes:

We have been having a Critical Mass all winter since November and there have been no incidents but we need more people. We have a pirate radio staton here that gets the word out and half of the riders are deejays on the radio 105.9 103.9 KIND FM (512) 754-0274. We put flyers up on the SWT campus and ride once a month and sometimes we have a "spontaneous mass". The first ride had bicycle shop owners, the SWTSU bicycling team, DeeJays and their friends and pick-me-ups; the total was 16 the first time. The attendance has dropped off to about eight a ride until May when we had 14. We are continuing to ride and talk about CM on the radio and gain public awareness. Tune in to 105.9 103.9 KIND at:

http://www.mediadesign.net/kindmenu.htm

for the main CM shows listen to Ultra Girl on Tuesdays 4-6 pm (ct) and the roadrunner show on wednesdays from noon-two (ct)

KEEP RIDING—WE ARE TRAFFIC—STEVO out

May 18, 1998: CM Switzerland — Winterthur and Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland will be having their first Critical Mass on May 29, at 6:00 PM, leaving from Pont des Bergues (lle Rousseau). Visit their web site (available in both French and English).

Cristian Grün <cristian.gruen@mailexcite.com> writes that the Critical Mass in (bike city) Winterthur, Switzerland has already taken place for the second time last Friday. CM Winterthur takes place each first Friday every month. For details (in German) have a look at their home page: http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/8609/

May 8, 1998: News from Dublin, Ireland and Tulsa, OK

Dermot <bigmuz@tinet.ie> informs the Times about the Mass ride in Dublin Ireland. This is co-ordinated by the Dublin Cycling Campaign who meet on the last Thursday of every month at the Central Bank, Dame st. @ 5.30(ish) for a jaunt around the city. It's still a fairly low-key event and every extra pair of wheels is appreciated.

There's no web site as yet so all publicity is welcome, especially so any bikers who may be passing through on holiday over the summer can make a date.

And from Paul Tay <PTay@webtv.net>: Another CM in Tulsa, Oklahoma leaves the second Friday from Barnes Noble Books on 41st and Yale., 5:19 p.m.

May 4, 1998: Recent additions to the Mass

Welcome Los Angeles, CA and Canberra, ACT, Australia to the Mass.

February 27, 1998: The UnOfficial Guide to CM Melbourne 1998

Damon <damon@hyperlink.net.au> writes: A rider in Melbourne Critical Mass has just launched a new web page that gives a 'real time' perspective on Critical Mass, A guide to inspire massers both locally and globally. The site has records of Manif Spatial Demonstration, The Critical Mass Sound System, And many other current issues that are being discussed on their local e-mail discussion list. The page can be reached at: http://home.hyperlink.net.au/~damon/cm

February 20, 1998: Mass Ring

The Critical Mass Times was invited to join The Critical Mass Web Wheel. See the "navigation bar" at the very bottom of this page.

Our numbers jumped to 25 riders last month, for a tour of the waterfront. A slightly chilly but very pleasant evening.

January 23, 1998: DC Solidarity Rides continue to "solidify"

A media release has been sent out to the local press, etc, announcing the DC Solidarity Rides. Read the release at: http://www.well.com/user/kjcole/Bike/solidpress.html

January 23, 1998: Haifa, Israel joins the mass

Paul Schuster <pauls@iil.intel.com> tells me that Haifa, Israel bicyclists are having their first ever Critical Mass ride, and hope to reach the 100-rider mark as quickly as the folks in Tel Aviv did. For more information, including time and date check their web page at: http://www.geocities.com/Pipeline/5850/

December 26, 1997: TIMES UP! Happening at The Hub, NYC: January 10

Miranda Edison <blackout@panix.com> writes in:

There's a new group called TIME'S UP! in NYC having a HUGE bike-related bash at The Hub, 81 East 3rd between 1st & 2nd on Sat., Jan 10 at 9pm. Time's Up! is a direct-action nonprofit environmental group working on many local issues — they support the Hub & its philosophy that bikes are a part of the solution. They promote many events, including the NYC Critical Mass Ride & the Stencil Ride, which makes chalk outlines of those killed by cars. The Hub provides ecofriendly transportation, including pedicabs, electric cars & it also rents/sells bikes & skates. Anyway, if you can let as many folks as possible know about this party, that'd be excellent! It will have fire-jugglers, an olympic-sized trampoline, bindlestiff family circus, 3 live bands, and death-defying stunts, plus a bike-auction! Sliding scale $6-$12...also, if you know of any biker mailing lists you could sent or reccommend, that would be awesome. (While in NYC be sure to check out Blackout Books which also promotes ecofriendly transportation!)

Check out TIMES UP!'s website: http://www.panix.com/~timesup/.

December 15, 1997: Tel Aviv Mass rides go public

I just received e-mail from Marcos Szeinuk <ypte@netvision.net.il> of the Tel Aviv Bicycle Association (TABA), announcing their sixth month of Critical Mass rides — the last two of which have topped the 100 rider mark. The full text of his message can be found at <http://www.well.com/user/kjcole/Bike/cm/tel-aviv.html>.

The rides start each last Friday every month 13:00 from Rabin Square at center Tel Aviv.

They have their own web page too: <http://bike.org.il/cm/>, though it is mainly in Hebrew.

December 6, 1997: You're doin' fine Oklahoma O-K-L-A...

james <patx@swbell.net> writes:

Critical Mass took place for the first time in my homeplace of Tulsa OK... I was unable to be in attendence due to some previously arranged activities, but one who was in attendence conveyed a sense of success today... I believe the number of people in attendence was arround 15 people... If you want to add Tulsa to your list of events, we ride on the first Friday of every month and we meet @ 4:15 @ Java Dave's 15th and Peoria...

November 28, 1997: One small loop for humans...

The first DC Solidarity Ride was a small but successful gathering of nine riders. Considering that this was the day after Thanksgiving, I don't think anyone was disappointed with the turnout. The weather was surprisingly nice, and the riders were feeling rather festive. One of our more ...er... "creative" souls, took to yelling slogans like "Biking makes you hard!" to pedestrians and drivers alike. Each rider was given a blue flag to symbolize the effort to promote cleaner air. (See the Australian Critical Mass Greenhouse Gas Page for further details about the "Blue Flags for Clean Air" idea.) All in all, a happy, silly ride with a higher purpose.

November 15, 1997: Critical Mass Times wins local recognition

Completely out of the blue, I received unsolicited e-mail from DC Online notifying me that the Critical Mass Times had been chosen as one of Washington, DC's Best web pages. I guess someone actually reads this stuff, eh? (You'll find the Times and other bicycling-related links on their Outdoors/Recreation page.)

November 5, 1997: Solid Mass: DC Ride's Again!

Join us November 28, 6:00 PM, Dupont Circle, East side for the Solidarity Ride. Check out the full story at <http://www.well.com/user/kjcole/Bike/cm/solid.html>.

October 31, 1997: San Antonio, Texas has a Monster Mass

According to Jonathan Plummer <jplummer@trinity.edu>, San Antonio, Texas has gotten into the "spirit" of things, and as of Halloween is now a Critical Mass city.

October 15, 1997: Latest Mass uprisings

Recent cities to announce their Critical Mass web pages included: Ann Arbor, Michigan, Vancouver, British Columbia and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

October 10, 1997: Critical Mass: The Movie

Here's a movie that's sure to be a blockbuster hit. The cast and crew are now socliciting for materials. Here's a link to the e-mail I recently received.

October 10, 1997: Australian Cyclist Nov. '95 article on-line

I finally got around to putting up old article from Australian Cyclist magazine featuring Sydney's 2nd Critical Mass ride — typos and all.

October 2, 1997: Flagstaff, Arizona Critical Mass: Riders wanted

I just got mail from a CM'er in Flagstaff. They're trying to get some northbound bike routes reestablished, and need to swell their numbers a bit. For further details, read the slightly edited original message here.

August 29, 1997: San Francisco ride goes off without a hitch

Here's an eyewitness account.

August 8, 1997: Critical Mass on front page of USA TODAY!

USA Today featured a cover story on recent events involving the San Francisco Critical Mass rides. A copy (sans pictures) can be found here. Further info can be found at http://www.e-media.com/cm/.

"Outer Beltway" Planned, Metro Cut

[IMAGE: Cars Kill! Kill Cars!] The D.C., Maryland and Virginia transportation departments are planning major additions to the region's road network that will cost several billion dollars. New highways include the Inter-County Connector (Montgomery and Prince George's Counties), Barney Circle "Free" Way (Anacostia Park, D.C.), the Western Bypass (west of Dulles Airport) and the Eastern Bypass (along Rt. 301). Meanwhile, the Metrobus system slashed 20% of its service in March and Metrorail raised its prices again in June. And no jurisdiction in the area plans to build bike lanes to encourage citizens to commute via non-polluting bicycles.

Air Pollution Alert: "Breathe Less," say Government Officials

[IMAGE: The Lungs and Chest Cavity] [IMAGE: CAUTION: Respirator Reqired In This Area]

Washington — The region's environmental officials warn that this summer's smog means that citizens will have to change their respiratory habits.

Critical Mass rides from coast to coast!

[IMAGE: Bike Lane sign] Critical Mass is a show of cycling solidarity, a celebration of the most energy-efficient transportation mode ever invented, which is non-polluting, healthy and fun. Skaters, joggers, and hardcore pedestrians are also welcome!

The movement started in San Francisco in 1992 (See http://www.scorcher.org/cmhistory/) and has now spread to dozens of cities in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. San Francisco's monthly Critical Mass rides routinely attract as many as 3,000 people!

Critical Mass seeks to liberate our cities from auto-cracy: rule by the car. Please help us transform Washington into a sustainable community, with bike lanes, car-free zones, better mass transit and clean air for all.

For more information on organizing rides in your city, contact:

Chris Carlsson
c/o GRIP
41 Sutter Street, #1829
San Francisco, CA 94104


you don't need a car, you don't need gas, just ride around town with the Critical Mass!

Note: The following table requires an enhanced browser such as Netscape 1.2 or later, in order to display correctly.

Critical Mass Cities

Albuquerque, NM Annapolis, MD Arcata, CA Athens, GA
Austin, TX Barcelona, Spain Berkeley, CA Berlin, Germany
Birmingham, England Boston, MA Burlington, VT Cambridge, England
Cleveland, OH Columbia, MO Columbus, OH Eugene, OR
London, England Madison, WI Melbourne, Australia Minneapolis, MN
Missoula, MT Montreal, Quebec New York City, NY Nottingham, England
Ottawa, Ontario Philadelphia, PA Portland, OR Poznan, Poland
Reno, NV Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Sacramento, CA San Francisco, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA Santa Cruz, CA Seattle, WA Sydney, Australia
Toledo, OH Toronto, Ontario Vancouver, BC Washington, DC
Zurich, Switzerland Brisbane, Australia Atlanta, GA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
New Orleans, Louisiana Bloomington, Indiana Tuscon, Arizona Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Copenhagen, Denmark Aalborg, Denmark Aarhus, Denmark Esbjerg, Denmark
Svendborg, Denmark All of the United Kingdom Bergen, Norway Hobart, Tasmania
Flagstaff, Arizona Ann Arbor, Michigan Vancouver, British Columbia Halifax, Nova Scotia
San Antonio, TX Tulsa, OK Tel Aviv Los Angeles, CA
Canberra, Australia Dublin, Ireland Winterthur, Switzerland Geneva, Switzerland
San Marcos, TX Chicago, IL St. Louis, Missouri Memphis, TN
Tokyo, Japan Taipei, Taiwan Taichung, Taiwan Blacksburg, VA
Johannesburg, South Africa Santa Fe, NM Vienna, Austria Pioneer Valley, MA
Rochester, NY Chapel Hill, NC Moab, Utah Buffalo, NY
[Last updated: January 12, 2004]

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This site has been visited [Counter] times since October 5, 1995.

Last modified: May 16, 2001

Kevin "Flatline" Cole <kjcole@well.com>

[IMAGE: Not One More Road!]

"Every day, government transportation officials, road construction crews, and local developers are working to make your maps and atlases out of date." — ADC Street Map of the Washington, D.C. Metro Area


(Images taken from the Earth First! Journal and from the Alliance for a Paving Moratorium)

"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will."
     — Frederick Douglass


"Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul"
     — Edward Abbey



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