Who doesn’t like bicycles? Who hasn’t ridden a bicycle in their lives? And who didn’t learn or at least try to learn how to ride a bicycle? Bicycle enthusiasts are all over the world and in every city have a periodic event to celebrate this passion and means of transportation. In the United States there are “meetups” to gather around the bicycle culture, meet people and have fun riding a bicycle and cruising around the city. Some of them are Bike Rockville, Indy Bikes-n-brews, New Jersey Rail Trail bikers and many others.
We are going to take a look at a bike ride meetup in Miami that happens the last Friday of every month. It is called Critical Mass.
We are going to take a look at a bike ride meetup in Miami that happens the last Friday of every month. It is called Critical Mass.
Image courtesy of Tropical Pedicabs at Flickr.com
The concept of critical mass started in San Francisco in the early nineties when hundreds of cyclists went out to the streets to reclaim their right of way in the car packed avenues. Bicycles are also a part of traffic and have the same rights as cars and motorcycles. With this in mind, riders gathered together to create awareness on the deteriorating quality of life that cars bring to the city, specially referring to pollution and noise. Respect for pedestrians and drivers matches the respect that is sought by the event.
The Miami Critical Mass is not a protest event nor an anti-car or an “against something” event. It is simply a get together of all the bicycle enthusiasts in the area that want to have fun and cruise around the city. The purpose for people can vary. Some people go to just meet friends and have a good time; others are more on the “celebrate bicycles” mood, where they want to remind drivers that they must share the road with their fellow riders; others just want to encourage cycling through these types of events. The Miami Critical Mass is composed by all kinds of individuals, with different political views and very different reasons to ride a bike. Everybody respects traffic rules and often leave an open lane for cars to pass, although is not a good idea as some drivers dangerously weave around the group at very high speeds.
The ride is every last Friday of the month in the evening, starting at 6:30 pm at the Government Center, where people start to meet up and gather to get into the mood. The departure time is at 7:15, the length of the ride is between 12 and 18 miles and the speed limit is 14 mph.
The Miami Critical Mass is not a protest event nor an anti-car or an “against something” event. It is simply a get together of all the bicycle enthusiasts in the area that want to have fun and cruise around the city. The purpose for people can vary. Some people go to just meet friends and have a good time; others are more on the “celebrate bicycles” mood, where they want to remind drivers that they must share the road with their fellow riders; others just want to encourage cycling through these types of events. The Miami Critical Mass is composed by all kinds of individuals, with different political views and very different reasons to ride a bike. Everybody respects traffic rules and often leave an open lane for cars to pass, although is not a good idea as some drivers dangerously weave around the group at very high speeds.
The ride is every last Friday of the month in the evening, starting at 6:30 pm at the Government Center, where people start to meet up and gather to get into the mood. The departure time is at 7:15, the length of the ride is between 12 and 18 miles and the speed limit is 14 mph.
Image courtesy of christopherneetz at Flickr.com
For people that are riding for the first time, or even people that need to be reminded about the rules, here are some basic things to keep in mind:
- All participants should keep the same pace in order to avoid gaps and make turning and riding smoother.
- Headphones or earphones are not allowed by law while riding a bicycle. Only hearing aids are allowed.
- Please respect safety and traffic rules such as lanes and traffic lights.
- Safety lights are required by law. Front and rear lights. Also, the use of helmet is highly recommended.
- When passing other cyclists it is recommended to ring the bell or yell “on your left” to let people know where you are going.
- Passing through cars at traffic stops it not allowed. Filtering forward is dangerous and illegal.
- Littering and drinking alcohol or doing any type of drugs is totally prohibited by law and by the group. Remember, the ride is to celebrate life and a healthy lifestyle.
- If a rider has to stop, they should move over to the sidewalk. Stopping in the middle of the mass will more likely cause another rider to crash or to suddenly turn causing accidents.
- Always perform an ABC quick bike check. For your safety and the safety of the group.
Image courtesy of TheRealEdwin at Flickr.com
Seeing a big mass of bicycles riding together around the city is a beautiful thing. Most of the people are friendly and understand the purpose of the event so they wait on the side or drive slow and take pictures of the group. It is a healthy event and a very fun ride around the city of Miami. If you have a bicycle and are wondering what to do; or if you are visiting Miami and want to meet people and cruise the city by night, this is your type of event.