What is Critical Mass?

[scarry]

The stigma that CM projects is one of many reasons why all my riding is done solo.

United we stand, divided we fall. Don't you have any friends that bike?

[Helmet Head]

What is Critical Mass?

See the Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Mass

[CommuterRun]

How do you feel about funeral processions, then? They are lots more common than CM. They pretty much take over any road (and intersections) they are on.
And they are governed by laws and typically have law enforcement escorts.
By admission of CM participants, CM has no organization, rules nor even guidelines. Each ride is just a mob with nobody at the helm.

[Keith99]

How do you feel about funeral processions, then? They are lots more common than CM. They pretty much take over any road (and intersections) they are on.

I'll get upset about funerals for this when they start scheduling funerals for rush hour.

When I die I'll have no use for the empty husk. I would rather have it disposed of in the cheapest manner possible and the savings spent on a beer bust.

[scarry]

And they are governed by laws and typically have law enforcement escorts.
By admission of CM participants, CM has no organization, rules nor even guidelines. Each ride is just a mob with nobody at the helm.

And yet, somehow, every month, in cities around the world, it goes off without a hitch (unless the police get a hair up their rear). For 13 years. And every month folks on the internet argue about it.

And every work day, the Car Critical Mass takes place, and nobody cares.

[banerjek]

Critical Mass is obviously a sign of massive inefficiency. It takes dozens, if not hundreds of riders, to block an intersection. Darn it, yo can do the same thing with just two cars...

...I find the reaction to them is blown way out of proportion. I'd also venture to say that for every driver that gets encounters CM, there will be a 100 or so who complain about CM.

Perception may be more important than reality. We all have to share the roads, and drivers are far more considerate if they think you are being considerate of them. Fair or unfair, when the news shows a handful of inconsiderate people intentionally mucking up traffic, the inevitable result is that people get ticked and start making life miserable for all cyclists.

In my experience, most drivers are more considerate of cyclists than they are of other drivers. If you make it easy for others to get to their destinations, the vast majority will extend the same courtesy. A few undeserved hostile encounters are inevitable, but if you frequently find yourself at the receiving end of a lot of abuse, you may consider examining your riding habits.

[Mr. Miskatonic]

And they are governed by laws and typically have law enforcement escorts.


Not any of the ones I have seen around here.

[Mr. Miskatonic]

I'll get upset about funerals for this when they start scheduling funerals for rush hour.


I've seen them take place during lunch hour, which isn't exactly smooth driving time.

[Dchiefransom]

I've seen them take place during lunch hour, which isn't exactly smooth driving time.

The funeral processions you are referring to are performed by people that are regulated by the state, and hold various permits and licenses. The escorts in my area, if not regular law enforcement, must wear uniforms approved by the localities, must be licensed, and must get a permit for the procession.
If Critical Mass assembled and did the ride obeying all laws, it would still make the same point, and still make just as many motorists angry.