Tribune photo
Are you familiar with Critical Mass, the monthly event that sees up to 3,000 bikers riding en masse through Chicago's streets, running red lights and blocking traffic, all with a somewhat reluctant police escort?
Some, but certainly not all, view Critical Mass as a hostile hijacking of the road. Since Chicago's version of the event began 12 years ago, the event has generated a sizable number of foes. Even as its ranks fill with families and those just looking to have fun, some local cyclists complain that some riders are too militant.
Like everyone else in Chicago, RedEye staffers and our social media mavens have their opinions about bikers in the city. Two of our resident riders weighed in on Critical Mass, the monthly event in which two-wheelers take over the streets.
Check out their opinions, then share your own.
RedEye staffers say ...
PRO: Relax, peopleBy Sara Stewart
I get it. It's frustrating to be stuck in your car on the street, unable to drive and being passed by hundreds of cyclists. I don't doubt that some of you have places you need to be. I'm sure others really want to get home Friday afternoon after a long week.
But there's no reason to cuss, honk at or threaten the Critical Massers.
Cars rule the road, no question. But give us these 10 minutes to peacefully pass by and celebrate transportation on two wheels. Then the road is all yours again.
If you come across a colorful group of cyclists chanting "Happy Friday," give 'em a break. Smile back, high five them and enjoy the spectacle. Trust me, it'll be over soon.
CON: Show some respectBy Supriya Doshi
As a cyclist, I'm wholeheartedly behind promoting the presence of bicycles on the road. I also love the idea of riding around the city with a bunch of fun-loving cyclists.
What I don't like is the bad reputation some Critical Massers--and many other cyclists--give the rest of us.
The idea is to teach drivers to share the road with bicycles, but when those bicycles disrupt traffic, break laws and behave inappropriately, the reaction tends to be anger rather than understanding.
My suggestion to cyclists: Just show some respect for traffic laws. But, drivers: Don't think you're off the hook. Grow up and learn how to share.
redeyechicago's Twitter followers say ...
@twobitme: It's a fun idea, but I don't like the jackassery of them blocking traffic and completely ignoring traffic signals.
@troycostlow: I love Critial Mass - It's an awesome mobile party where the only real agenda is "We like bikes!"
@Brian_Blank: I've ridden w/ Critical Mass before. It's exciting & fun. It's direct action, an active form of protest. It gets attention.
@traceybee: Absolutely for it! Power in numbers, my friend!
@smithdidit: For it. Everyone needs to be reminded about transportation alternatives, sharing the road and exercise. Ride on.
@cwilmc: I'm all for people celebrating biking, but when they run red lights and put others at risk for injury then it's not cool.
@tripleA325: pro-bike but anti-judgmental bordering on violent behavior I have experienced while in a cab that was swarmed by CM riders
@KellyBell899: it's awful they trapped me in my car on Michigan ave one heading eastbound in between the north and south lanes!! Rude
@ShannonDowney: Critical Mass is a wonderful message and a great concept...unless I'm in my car and stuck in it for 2 hours!
6 Comments
carlosestebanqueso said:
Make them get a weekly permit for this and charge them for street closures. Another way for Daley and the Machine to make money for the city.
carlosestebanqueso said:
Weekly permit should read monthly.
kades35 said:
This is certainly sparking quite the debate! Several of my co-workers at the school I teach in take place in this event each month, and all came in talking about this. I think most of the people who participate are doing it in the spirit of awareness and truly trying not to antagonize drivers. It's got to be a give and take on both sides, drivers and cyclists. But stories like this definitely keep the conversation going, and that's the most important thing!
Ryan "Dr. Fantasy" Smith said:
I've participated in a dozen Critical Masses in Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Chicago over the last few years but not without a certain amount of wariness because of the nefarious jackassery perpetrated by a sizable minority of the rides.
I am an avid biker, and I do think cycling and other alternative transportation should be encouraged, especially considering the benefits to self and society. Critical Mass has the potential to be a force for good, and it's often a fun piece of entertainment to ride through the city....BUT often its hijacked by extremists who treat the event like a bully pulpit against the evils of car culture. Yelling at drivers, biking aggressively through red lights and having a superior attitude towards those who dare get behind a wheel isn't going to convert the masses, it's just going to get cyclists unfairly branded as self-righteous, elitist punks. Unfortunately, some of them are.
jason said:
A response to Ms. Stewart: 10 minutes? 10 minutes? Really? So if I'm on my way home in the car and critical mass is on milwaukee avenue - my traditional route - and I'm engulfed by 3000 bikers it slows my commute by just 10 minutes? try an hour. get real.
Mr. GrabNSmash said:
People need to understand how unnecessarily dangerous riding a bicycle can be in the city only because motorists are ignorant. Having to dodge a door because a person doesn't feel like checking their side-view mirror, or getting cut off by a cab so he can pick up a fare is frustrating. CM is just to let you know we are out there, and would like to be able to ride our bikes around the city without getting hurt.
A response to Mr. Jason: Critical Mass happens the same time every month and routes are usually posted online. Get a calendar.
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