Oakland Critical Mass

Fellow Cyclists:

I participated in the critical mass ride in Oakland on Friday August 5. I was truly excited to think Critical Mass was happening in Oakland, but I have to say, in the end, I was disappointed by the experiencce.

I am writing this to try to ecourage others to participate, because I feel Oakland needs Critical Mass to happen.

Why was I dissapointed?
A group of about 20 cyclists was standing around the edge of Frank Ogawa Plaza. The ride started with a young man shouting something like "are you ready to piss off some rich white people?" Then a small group of cyclists led the ride out of Frank Ogawa Plaza with one rider dragging an American Flag. I was not too suprized to see a couple of cyclists who didn't follow the group out of the square. When one of my friends talked to them, they said "that's not what this is about for us". We talked for a minute and then headed out of the square to try to catch up with a friend that had left with the main group.

We found the bulk of critical mass riders in Jack London Square at the end of Broadway. One rider was pulling the flag, riding around in circles. There were two difference riders involved in shouting matches with bystanders. Most people with bicycles were standing around bewildered and many were actually saying "what is going on?"

Many riders wandered away in different directions. A group of around 7 road away up Broadway dragging the flag. A group of us stayed at the edge of the square and debated what had just happened.

I was left with the question: What is Critical Mass supposed to be about?

It has obviously developed different meanings for different people. The August ride was not about Bicycling, but flag dragging. I encourage all cyclists who can attend to come the first Friday of September. I think Critical Mass is about showing our city that there are a lot of people who ride bikes. it does not matter if you ride your bike only at critical mass or ride 100 miles a day. If you ride a bike, you should be there.

For those of you who say "I am opposed to the flag dragging, so I don't want to go." I say "if you are opposed to the flag dragging, that is exactly why you should go". Last Friday one person was dragging a flag with 20 people following behind and the event felt like it was about flag dragging. In September, I hope to see 100 cyclists out there. With that many cyclists, even if the flag dragger returns, the Critical Mass will be about Bicycles, not flags.

I hope to see you in Franks Ogawa Plaza on Friday Sept. 1 at about 5:30pm for a REAL Critical Mass.

Mark
Oakland