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. We're not protesting, we're CELEBRATING our vision of a preferable alternative mode of transportation in the city of Atlanta.
Who runs Critical Mass?
There is no organized structure for Critical Mass. Show up. Ride. Done.
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.
Are the rides "athletic?" Do I need to be in shape?
NO. This is a commonly asked question. 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.
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.
Are Critical Mass rides sanctioned by the APD?
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.
Is Critical Mass anti-car?
Good question. "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.
What is a "bike lift?"
Occasionally, when CM riders move through intersections, they spontaneously lift their bikes over their heads. This is also called a "holdup" 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.
Where and When?
On the last Friday of every month, bicyclists gather at Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta at 6:00 pm. The Mass usually leaves around 6:30 pm.
Woodruff Park is located at the corner of Peachtree Street and Auburn Avenue in downtown Atlanta.
View a map.
For route information, please visit the Yahoo! Groups page.
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