Ever wonder what is up with dozens of bikers parading and blocking streets in the downtown area on a Friday night?

It is actually part of a worldwide movement. In hundreds of cities around the world bicyclists meet on the last Friday of each month to celebrate biking. In places like Vancouver, thousands of bikers of all ages participate in critical mass bike rides. Critical mass is a leaderless mass of bikes who snake through streets that are normally dominated by automobiles. Streets are for bikes too. 



Critical mass bike rides happen here in Calgary on the last Friday of the month. They leave the Eau Claire square at 6pm. I attended critical mass on Friday June 26. There were dozens of colourful characters in attendance. One was dressed like a clown, some had flags on their bikes, and some were sporting souped up wheels.

From Eau Claire the critical mass rode through downtown chanting, singing and bell ringing. 



The critical mass received claps, laughs, and hollers of encouragement from those hanging out on the patio restaurants and bars along Steven Avenue, 17 Avenue SW, and Kensington. The mood of the critical mass through these areas was light.

For the most part, downtown automobile traffic doesn’t seem to mind that the critical mass continues along it’s path even if there is a red light. In these instances a couple of bicyclists block the incoming traffic, known as corking, to allow the critical mass through the intersection.

There was one verbal exchange with a Silverado truck driver on 1 Street SE who didn’t appreciate the critical mass. Bike riders started chanting “less cars, more bikes”. One humourously commented, “more bikes, less testosterone”.

Once outside downtown, the mood changed. The ride along 14 Street from downtown to Kensington always irks drivers. Traffic snarled behind the critical mass and some drivers got impatient. It always seems to be the SUV and truck drivers who get pissed off. A 5 minute delay seems to be the end of the world for these people.

My favourite part of the critical mass was the ride along Memorial Drive.
It got me really excited about the Bow River Flow. This event is happening on August 23 from 10am to 4pm. There will be two lanes open to walkers, runners, rollerbladers, skateboarders, and bicyclists. 

Each critical mass ends with riders all lifting their bikes in celebration. Sometimes at Eau Claire, Memorial Park or this time in front of Hop N’ Brew.   

What does critical mass accomplish? Too be honest not much. The mass in Calgary hasn’t reached the proportion achieved in Vancouver and therefore doesn’t send as big of a statement. Most passerby’s have no clue what is going on. Some laugh, some are bewildered, some are annoyed, and others are furious. The biggest benefit is sharing an experience with other bike lovers.

Everyone has their own reasons for participating in critical mass bike rides. I personally ride to raise awareness of the need to create proper bike lanes, in addition to celebrating the environmental and health benefits of biking. The devil in me also enjoys ignoring traffic rules and slowing up traffic, all on a beautiful summer evening.

Come and join the fun at the next critical mass bike ride on July 31. Help create a critical mass.