About

On the last Friday of every month in over 300 cities around the world, cyclists congregate to ride in demonstration and in celebration. Critical Mass has no leaders and no agenda. Cleveland Critical Mass meets the last Friday of every month at Public Square downtown Mall A (till construction of Public Square is complete)  at 6:30pm and departs promptly at 7pm.  We typically plan to meet at a local establishment following the ride.  People come together to ride for many different reasons: to assert cyclists right to the road; to promote bikes as a fun, healthy and viable alternative to cars; to build a greater sense of community;to get more folks on bikes; or simply to celebrate bike love and ride in solidarity with other like-minded individuals and have some fun!

 

Critical Mass is:

 

– A leaderless, spontaneous bike ride through the streets of Cleveland (and hundreds of other cities worldwide)

– A time to ride your bike without fear through busy downtown streets

– A great way to meet other bicyclists, pass out fliers, learn about other events

– A meandering celebration of bicycling

– Something different for everyone

– Family-friendly

– A visionary projection of what our future might look like

 

Critical Mass is not:

 

– Dangerous, violent, threatening, or exclusive

– A place to buy, sell, or capitalize

– A race to the finish

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Mission Statement: Cleveland Critical Mass is a local grassroots initiative to promote bicycling as a means of transportation and recreation, assert bicyclists’ rights to the road, build and foster community, and have fun.  In concert with over 300 cities internationally, Critical Mass group bicycle rides originating from Downtown Cleveland take place on the last Friday of every month.

Whereas Cleveland Critical Mass promotes and supports all things bicycling, community building and development, sustainability, complete streets, and advocacy for bicycles, the initiative is not directly affiliated with any group or organization.

Guiding Principles

1. CCM bicyclists should remain conscious of and obey traffic laws and local ordinances at all times to the best of their ability.
2. CCM bicyclists should always watch out for each other.  In the event that a CCM bicyclist becomes injured or disabled on the road, others should buffer and protect that individual from traffic and other dangers until he/she is able to mobilize once again or move to a safe location.
3. Advanced CCM bicyclists in the front of the mass are asked to cork intersections and shield bicyclists from potential oncoming vehicular traffic, politely thanking motorists for waiting for the group to safely pass.
4. CCM bicyclists should respect motorists and non-motorists alike at all times.
5. Each CCM bicyclist is asked to help grow the mass and build momentum for the group, and accordingly, should encourage friends, family, acquaintances, and others to participate in CCM.
6. CCM is a celebration of Cleveland and bicycling.  CCM bicyclists are encouraged to greet passersby, cheer, wave, ring bells and horns, and/or sing to draw positive attention, build interest, and demonstrate that the group is fun and friendly.
7. As one of the goals of CCM is to build community amongst bicyclists and Greater Clevelanders, socializing with other CCM bicyclists is encouraged before, during, and after the ride.
8. CCM focuses upon adults more than families.  Adults with children may ride at their own discretion.  Minors not accompanied by an adult are not advised to participate in CCM.
9. CCM is a voluntary activity, and everyone chooses to ride or not ride for themselves.  CCM in no way can be held responsible for injury or damage, personal or property, arising from participation.  Those involved in publicizing or sponsoring CCM or otherwise are not responsible for the actions and conduct of the bicyclists who participate on their own as individuals.

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