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Baltimore bicycle enthusiasts gathered this past Halloween to proudly parade the streets of Charles Village, Fell’s Point, Federal Hill, and the Inner Harbor in the wackiest costumes, a blur of bike lights, and bells galore. A 60+ strong crowd rode to raise bicycle awareness and bring confidence to all cyclists in the city. The turnout varied wildly in age, outfits, and bicycles too; there was even a portable boom-box to announce the group’s presence in a groovy fashion.

Critical Mass is nothing new to the bike community. The concept of designating a spot to begin with no further plans has been favored for many years all over the world. This kind of ride is not to provoke controversy or interfere with motorists. Many people unfamiliar with Critical Mass believe it is a race, which is far from what it truly stands for: a leaderless gathering of cyclists to travel in a group. It is a celebration of cyclists reclaiming the streets, and not a violent or threatening event; riding in such large numbers should gather positive attention and remind the public that cars are not the only things on the road.

Some Baltimore rides in particular will initially start off at a slow/medium pace, but eventually testosterone catches up with riders in the front, leaving stragglers at the rear to elongate the group and cause many drivers impatience and frustration. Safety is always the top priority when riding more than two abreast (certain avid riders will step up to provide ‘car picks’ to stop traffic and allow the group to safely cross intersections). Liam Quigley stated “once one of these rides becomes more of a spectacle than an annoyance for drivers, things will get easier for cyclists”.

There was another Critical Mass this past week in the spirit of Thanksgiving, or I should say Cranksgiving, with another strong crowd to participate, along with a 70-mile ride from Elicott City to Annapolis. The popularity of large numbered rides is growing here in Baltimore, even as the cold weather winds its way into the city. Plans are already being made for snow races and rides, which can be reassuring to those who find themselves trapped at home by the fire, chomping at the bit to get in their saddle. Keep your eyes peeled for flyers of events online or bulletin boards at your local bike shop!

Critical Mass Short Document from Clayton Lee on Vimeo.

Baltimore, MD

Photograph by Liam Quigley

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