“We’re not blocking the traffic. We are the traffic.” – Critical Mass unites cyclists the world over.
Founded back in San Francisco in 1992, it’s great to see Chester Critical Mass is back in action. Critical Mass is an independent event that forms part of a decentralised movement to promote cycling as first-class transport and advocate for proper cycling infrastructure.
They want to show that cycling can be used as a viable and legitimate alternative for the car to get around. They also want to promote increased rights for bike-users on our roads.
To promote this cause, Chester Critical Mass now holds a regular monthly ride starting at 2pm on the first Saturday of each month, meeting outside the Lodge Café in Grosvenor Park.
Whether you’re an individual looking to support these rides with your friends and families, or a local group looking to bring along banners and flags, however you decide to join in, all will be very welcome.
The next ride will be on Saturday 7th September and we are pleased to confirm that the Lord Mayor will be joining the Chester Critical Mass ride the month after on Saturday 5th October.
The nature of a critical mass ride is that it is intended to be spontaneous and not formally organised, or led by any group or individuals. Those wanting to join should feel free to come along to demonstrate their interest in cycling, meet other like-minded people, and hopefully to have some fun.
The spontaneous and informal nature of these rides means that every month, in cities around the world, cyclists follow no pre-planned route — the ride simply follows whoever happens to be at the head of the pack.
Additional Critical Mass Information: An informal, leaderless organisation. Critical Mass is a form of direct action in which people travel as a group on bicycles at a set location and time. The idea is for people to group together to make it safe for each other to ride bicycles through their streets: based on the old adage: there’s safety in numbers. Critical Mass events highlight the numbers of people who want to use their bicycles on the roads, but are usually unable to do so without risking their safety. It is a call to action to councils, governments, and road planners to properly and thoughtfully consider the safety of all road users, including those who would prefer to walk and cycle, instead of prioritising motor traffic above all else when devising plans.
Helen Tandy, Founding Director
