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Changing riders

Critical Mass is riding into Portland again this summer. The event has happened sporadically in the past, but the local affiliate of the political activist group The League hopes to make it a continuing fixture. The League (formerly the League of Pissed-Off Voters) is promoting Critical Mass as a direct-action demonstration, an opportunity for cyclists to ride through major downtown streets as a pack. The aim is to raise awareness about alternative transportation, but participants admit the bikers also inevitably slow traffic flow. Driver reactions during similar rides across the globe range from supportive honks to dangerous acts of road rage. Though Critical Mass rides have been popular for more than ten years, it is difficult to find evidence of their progressive productivity. Will things be different on the streets of Portland?

Claire Howard, The League’s Portland organizer, describes Critical Mass as the initial step in a greater campaign for bikers’ rights. After using the event to “build a community amongst people that ride,” she hopes these people will ultimately help lobby the city to commit to cycle-friendly projects. For instance, supporting a small increase in the price of industrial parking lot meters, using the extra revenue to fund improved bike lanes and paths.

Howard also stresses that while Critical Mass is a chance to “push people’s comfort zones,” it is “not just ruckus. We are not riding to piss people off.”

May 26 marked this year’s first attempt at staging a Critical Mass. About 18 people showed up, a low turnout that Howard attributes to the stormy weather that evening. The riders faced no deterrence from the police and no complaints were filed about the event.

Critical Mass seems to be still pedaling below the local government radar. City Manager Joseph Gray is not familiar with the ride and believes “it is hard to be able to say in the abstract” if this kind of protest would make waves within the administration.

The next ride takes off from Monument Square this Friday at 6 pm and continues the last Friday of every month. Critical Mass is open to all interested in alternative transportation awareness. And if you are a driver in a hurry, you might be interested in alternative route-through-downtown awareness.