Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Bicycling

We Rode As One

11:59 AM PDT on June 27, 2010

By now you've probably heard the news about last Friday's Los Angeles Critical Mass, now with cops!, and have read touching accounts of cyclist' new B.F.F.'s. If you haven't, you can get a feel for how the ride went by watching the video above, and reading Kumbaya, posted here on Saturday and Undiscovered Country posted at Bikeside.

While the stories of police and cyclists hanging out and bonding are great news, there's another story that so far hasn't been written.  For one night, the fractured bicycling advocacy community put aside it's own internal divisions and rode as one.  Uncertainty about how the LAPD would react to Critical Mass and wanting to show support not just for Critical Mass, but for any cyclists, be they in a group or riding on their own, to ride the street.  I've never witnessed a ride featuring, amongst the literally hundreds or even thousands of riders, were board members for Bikeside, staff for the Bike Coalition, the most recognizable of the Midnight Ridazz and the writer of the LADOT Bike Blog.

Lost admit the bright lights, loud bikes and good times of the Critical Mass/LAPD ride was another story.  L.A.'s bike community may disagree on tactics and the value of paint on the ground; but when it comes to cyclists' rights there is no disagreement.  When it comes to our rights, we ride as one.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Caltrans Announces $300 Million “Super 605” Freeway Enhancement Project

The Super 605 project does not appear to expand or widen the freeway itself, but focuses on maintaining/rehabilitating the existing roadway.

October 4, 2023

Celebrate Los Angeles Walks Turning Twenty-Five!

Celebrate at Los Angeles Walks Sidewalk Soirée next week. Also the organization is hiring a new Executive Director - apply today.

October 3, 2023

No Cops with Lassos on Trains. Mayor Nixes LAPD Pilot at Metro Board Meeting.

LAPD got approval from the Police Commission to extend their BolaWrap pilot on Metro in August, but hadn't advised Metro of their plans until after the fact.

October 3, 2023
See all posts