Critical Mass has got to be one of my favorite forms of protest. It directly confronts individuals in their cars, in their normal daily routines, and forces them to step outside of the same old repition to look around them. Granted it is just another traffic jam, but for those in front and those on the sidewalks and viewing from afar, it has the possiblity to really reach individuals in an upfront and personal way. Pretty much everyone can ride a bike, therefore everyone can relate to what is going on. Many times people have asked "What is this all about?", "Who the fuck are you guys?", or "What is Critical Mass?" Sometimes I find myself wondering the same thing. What exactly is Critical Mass, in particular, what exactly is it for here in Baltimore?

I have been to four Critical Mass bike rides in Baltimore, and with the exception of one, it seems that they are only about a mad dash to the bar in order to get drunk. The last one had to be one of the worst I had ever attended. The past two rides resulted in insulting, car kicking, and nearly physical altercations between Critical Masser's and those in their cars. This is a quote from "Bike Summer", which is the original Critical Mass publication put out a few years ago. "Antagonizing pedestrians or motorists, either verbally or physically, is counterproductive and no fun for anyone." I agree. Antagonizing and trying to start fights with people in their cars doesn't do shit except make those people angry at the next person they see on a bike. Even though I support what goes on, if I happend to be in a car at that moment and someone came up and kicked it, ya I would get pissed off, and ya I would react. Take people out of their norm and force them to look around, yes, break into people's personal barriers and terrorize their life, no.

Perhaps it is time to sit back and figure out what this Critical Mass thing is about and get back on track. The last couple I have been too no one had any signage, or flyers, or what seemed like any real reason for being there besides getting into fights. I am not saying that these things are needed, but I do feel that in order to make any real impact by riding our bikes in protest, people must know what you are protesting against. Another suggestion is to maybe focus more on the ride and less on getting drunk. In all honesty, it is once a month. You have 28-30 other days to get drunk. These are just suggestions and observations. For some of you this involves your livlyhood, and many of you have been way more involved in things than I am or have been. So don't take offense, just think about things a bit. I want to have fun and be able to get a message across at the same time. Plus, it would be nice to have a space where outside riders feel safe coming into, not feeling like they are coming into gang territory where it is US vs. THEM.