Critical Mass: an Event for all Bicyclists

By Jenna Long

Another critical mass bike rally will happen this month on Sat. Oct. 29 at noon in Bemidji, Minn.  The route will begin in front of the statues of Paul and Babe.

The bike that Luke Holden brought in as a prop for his press conference was unique.  It looked rather old, beat-up, and unwanted.  The seat had a slit down the middle for a more comfortable ride, duct tape was wrapped around various parts, and the foot pedals were the kind that marathoners use.  A homemade shelf designed to hold a U-lock rested on the bikes body.  From the small bag attached to the bike, Holden pulled out a potato and various tools.  At first glance, it would never be the prime choice for a bicycle thief.

In cities all around the world bicyclists gather to ride in the streets once a month.  In every group a bicycle like Holden’s can be found riding alongside a $400 mountain bike, unicycle, or a small child’s tricycle.  The event is called a critical mass and, as Holden likes to say, “It’s really fun to do.”



Critical mass bike rides began in 1992 in San Francisco.  The definition of the phrase “critical mass” is a size, number, or amount large enough to produce a particular result according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.  A critical mass bike ride does not have one set objective or goal. 

The riders in the event like to say that it is meant to be a “celebration of bike riding” but the rides can sometimes seems more like political-protest rides or a means to defy authority.  Holden says that “it’s really just about celebrating bicycles and the freedom to ride them…it’s not really [a protest].” Critical Mass bike rides are unique in that there is no real head to the organization.  Anybody can post posters to publicize the event and the route of the ride is decided by whoever is in front of the pack.



An example of a critical mass poster

Holden, an art student at Bemidji State University, has “always loved biking” and will be taking part in the critical mass ride happening in Bemidji on Sat. Oct. 29.  He stopped by a class full of his peers to share about his experiences with critical mass bike rallies in hopes that the small procession that happens in Bemidji every month will expand.

As a person who has always been enamored by bicycles, critical mass rides are a home away from home for Holden.  Besides his love for riding, he also wants to “see bicyclists take back the streets for a few hours.”  Holden, in a press conference-type setting in front of fellow BSU students, shared personal experiences with aggressive drivers.  He has been shouted at, called demeaning names, and had objects thrown at him.  His only offense to the drivers abusing him: riding a bicycle. 

Holden is not the only bicyclist who has been treated badly by motorists.  There is rising tension between bicyclists and motorists.  “It’s like there is some sort of hierarchy on the road, and motorists are at the top,” Holden explained.  Because of this tension, critical mass rides often get a negative light cast upon them, but in most cases the riders mean no harm to motorists.

The last Friday of the month at 5 p.m. is the traditional time for a critical mass ride, but Bemidji riders have begun to meet on Saturdays, allowing more people to attend. Last month’s ride involved fifteen people, a substantial amount when considering the small size of Bemidji.  When compared to the 100 or more participants in the Minneapolis events, however, Bemidji’s involvement is dwarfed.

Holden would love to see a larger turn-out as time goes on.

An Occupy Wall Street protest is also set to happen on Oct. 29, beginning towards the end of the critical mass ride.  The objective of the protest is to raise Bemidji’s awareness of the wobbly economy and corporate greed.