Critical Mass London

Who are we and what are our aims?

We are not sure, opinions seem to differ. There are probably as many aims of CM as there are participants. Each individual comes there with his or her own idea of what it's about, and the sum of this makes up the Mass. We have no organisers and no planned routes.

Critical Mass achieved its international name following the first ever ride in San Francisco back in 1992, where it was christened 'Commute Clot'. It was then "noted that, in China both motorists and bicyclists had an understood method of negotiating intersections without signals. Traffic would "bunch up" at these intersections until the back log reached a "critical mass" at which point that mass would move through the intersection".

The London monthly rides started in April 1994. 1995-96 reports. Videos from the 90s. It isn't just for cyclists, sometimes there are wheelchairers, skateboarders, roller bladers, roller skaters and other self-propelled people. Cycle sound systems often play music on the ride. To find out more about Critical Mass checkout the links on the left.

News

London CM January 2010

A BBC team were at the start of the ride and "The programme goes out on 22 February or the following week at 7:00".

"It was quite soon that the group got divided due to some aggressive drivers, but the splinter soon rejoined near Westminster. That's when the bigger group went round the intersection a few times to give the chance to the "splinter" to rejoin. Once this happened, there was a joyful horn blowing, a cheer and soon after the joyful bike-lifts! hooray for bicycles! these critical mass cyclists always manage to put a smile on my face!"

Problems with taxi drivers and one motorist "went totally mental and decided to drive totally erratic and dangerous before targeting and driving back and forwards into people." A complaint has been made to the police.. Reports | 1 | 2 | Pics.

Man Acquitted in Critical Mass Sues Mpls

Augustin Ganely was acquitted, and is suing the city for civil rights violations. More | 1 | 2 |.

London CM December 2009.

Happened to coincide with Christmas Day. Despite a lack of trains to carry bikes on, no pubs open and adverse pressure from relatives, about 30 riders turned up. There was a late start due to a woman nearby jumping into the Thames.

Videos