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How Cycling Has Achieved a Critical Mass Worldwide

7/14/2016

15 Comments

 

How Critical Mass Built Global Momentum for Cycling


​In 1992 some San Francisco cyclists met up on Market Street for the inaugural Critical Mass. Their group ride became a monthly event, and over time metamorphosed into a movement that spread around the world. Critical Mass is a celebration of pedal power, rediscovering urban areas, safety in numbers, and the social aspect of people from all walks mixing together on bikes. The monthly rides provide a regular reminder of clean transport alternatives, and challenges thought around access for bikes on city streets. 

critical mass

Not an Organization


​Many cyclists have experienced the feeling of being a second class citizen on the road, and much of the movement’s success has been in reminding people and municipalities of the importance of cycling as part of the city’s transport system DNA. Critical Mass has no formal agenda and is not an organization, however that hasn’t stopped its worldwide spread and appeal. ​
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International Critical Mass Turnouts


​Unlike many European cities, Madrid does not have a strong culture of cycling. It's where Critical Mass, known locally as 'Bicicrítica', has been credited with breathing life into the city's “gray breath of traffic”, and has helped to develop a culture of cycling. 
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From Budapest to Beirut to Mexico City to Madrid, Critical Mass happens once a month in over 300 cities around the world. Beirut is a city with notorious traffic problems, where commuters can expect huge delays traveling by car. In this Middle Eastern city, Critical Mass has helped to raise the profile of cycling as a viable transport alternative, while also increasing acceptance of cyclists on the road.
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Sport and Social Change


​Cycling as both a sport and a means of transport has been embraced in many places around the world, and more cities in the U.S. could benefit from acknowledging cyclists as part of their social fabric. As the benefits of this form of transport continue to capture hearts and minds around the globe, it's worth remembering that its potential to promote positive social change has been brought into sharp focus by a monthly international 'sport' started by a small San Francisco group; the founders of Critical Mass. 

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15 Comments
Caroline Kaugher
7/19/2016 03:04:50 am

I think this is wonderful! Most of the best movements like this have started small, and I think it's great to provide a safe outing!

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Tim C
7/19/2016 05:49:00 am

Interesting to read about the whole process. Great job on the article and a very interesting read.

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Jesse W.
7/19/2016 07:50:43 am

What a great article! Cycling is a great way to get exercise and commute. Hopefully a movement like this will find its way to my small town in Mississippi.

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Mona
7/19/2016 10:08:00 am

excellent advice here - cycling is a great sport for so many reasons - health-wise and environment-wise.

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Sam
7/19/2016 02:12:19 pm

Cycling isn't only for the social part but it's also a culture that many people get together and join the community. It becomes a very important event for cyclists.

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Jamies Bowers
7/19/2016 02:14:53 pm

Cycling is a sport that is a lot more demanding than people normally think at first!

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Michelle EB
7/19/2016 03:11:24 pm

I love cycling and your article is very detailed. I like reading about it and it encourages me to do more of it every day.

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HannahV
7/19/2016 04:00:05 pm

I love cycling! Critical Mass is doing a great job popularizing it all over the world.

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Shasta McAnally Martin
7/19/2016 06:30:58 pm

Cycling doesn't seem to get as much attention as other activities, so I think this article was a great read. Thanks for sharing

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Kristin
7/19/2016 08:34:58 pm

Really excellent article! Very informative and interesting. It's great to hear about people comming together. I really enjoyed reading this.

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Sandra W. Johnson link
7/20/2016 04:38:40 am

I really enjoy this article. It's a very informative and helpful article. Thanks for share this

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Doris Clay
7/20/2016 10:57:46 am

So many cyclists, vying for those few precious medals, the race is on!

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Lina
7/21/2016 01:45:16 pm

Cycling is such a great sport and is good for your health! Hoping it would spread in popularity! Great article, great info!

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John Willz
7/23/2016 12:30:48 pm

I think this is a great movement. I've seen an increased in the last few years in people using bicycle transportation. Thank you for helping, Critical Mass!

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Vincent Agosta
7/23/2016 06:17:10 pm

bike riding is so much fun. Also it has plenty of health benefits also for your legs and staying healthy. The article has great advice on cycling.

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    Cameron Poetzscher

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    Cameron Poetzscher is a Harvard Business School graduate with extensive M&A, business strategy and operations experience.
    He is the VP of Corporate Development at Uber, and is passionate about sport.

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