It seems to me that Critical Mass is a political movement that was intended to bring bicycling issues on public streets to the public’s attention. As such they attempt to avoid legal issues by not having a leadership hierarchy but saying their events are “spontaneous”. This is a bit like kids having a spontaneous party because they find an empty warehouse and they text message all their friends to be there. Because of this they contend they do not need a permit for their rides because they are not organized. If all they do is ride from point A to point B they might have a point. However with the number of arrests that have taken place over the years some people could wonder how this is not simply a political protest movement?
Not to make a judgment but it seems as if Critical Mass is a bit like ELF or Earth First. They have noble goals but their methods often morph into something far closer to a protest ride. If they are protest rides then a permit is necessary. Because someone has to at least assign a meeting place and plan a route and pick a date someone has to be responsible to speak for the group. If we join a mob and that mob turns ugly and breaks the law aren’t we responsible? Our society has allowed mob action to give some people a feeling they aren’t responsible for their actions. We see it demonstrated when we watch TV and see riots after a sporting championship game and cars are damaged and storefronts are broken into.
I empathize with Critical Mass and some of their issues but personally I would rather be part of an organized ride with rules of conduct and a defined goal. Just how I see it.