Like James, I also rode in Critical Mass last night. We rode together in support of our urban cycling communities, albeit several hundred miles apart.
Right: My friend Sy snacks on a saddle. Mmmm...delicious.
Chicago Critical Mass doesn't seem to be plagued by the same level of arrests and violence seen in New York City CM rides. Sure, some police come along for the ride, but the attitude generally feels much more light-hearted. I remember being part of a Critical Mass ride in Portland, Oregon where I was terrified of breathing the wrong way and getting slapped with a $200 ticket. About 30% of the riders on that particular CM ride were ticketed for questionable charges such as "improper use of a lane," "failure to make and hold turn signals for an adequate distance before turning," and "obstructing traffic."
Above: Daley Plaza is saturated with cyclists ready for the first warm Critical Mass of 2009.
One of the more popular CM sayings is that we're not obstructing traffic; we are traffic. It's all part of a larger paradigm shift towards widescale acceptance of non-motorized transportation.
While hanging with my bike buddies and waiting for the ride to begin, a friend handed me a copy of The Derailleur—a Chicago Critical Mass monthly zine. On page four, I found a list of reasons to ride, written by Jane Healy:
* I want to feel safe on the streets of Chicago.
* I love the feel of the wind in my face.
* I want to remind car drivers that bikes really are a lot more fun.
* I like smelling fresh air.
* I don't want my kids to become addicted to cars.
* I need freedom.
* I ride because I can."
Above: A couple of local cyclists do a "Chicago Hold Up" in honor of Critical Mass
I decided to ask some of the other CMers why they ride:
Oh, and in case you're wondering, the awesome juggler in the teal shirt is me :)
So what's your answer? Why do you ride?
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