Westside BikeSIDE!

Yesterday approximately 6o cyclists protested police harassment (photos on Flickr & Ridazz) of Santa Monica Critical Mass.  In response to the 14 citations of Santa Monica Critical Mass (SMCM) riders last Friday we, the Crimanimalz, blocked 4 crosswalks for a cumulative period of 40 minutes.  By walking back and forth across crosswalks continuously the Crimanimalz were able to legally create massive traffic jams.  We effectively showed that legal behavior can be outrageously disruptive.  Further, we showed that should the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) continue targeting cyclists on Critical Mass, there will be consequences for traffic in Santa Monica on other days.

(photo by Richie Thomassen)

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Need I say more?  Yes, I do.  Critical Mass on the Westside has been amazing this summer.  Check out these pics and these pics from the SMCM and Firewerckx rides on July 4th, or these pics from Venice Critical Mass.  You should go.

SMCM on Facebook

The ride - SMCM combined with the Big Bang Firewerckx ride, was a ton of fun,

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March’s Santa Monica Critical Mass was the 38th SMCM, and followed a successful 3rd Anniversary ride in February. In pre-ride announcements a SaMoHi student, Alec, shared his story of getting his ticket repealed. Then we had 60 seconds of silence in honor of a cyclist killed in the Valley on last Wednesday, followed by whoops and applause for lifetime of cycling.

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While Mihai is posting photo reviews of current events, I thought I’d post some of the old photos I’ve accumulated. So, here’s the first of a series of posts with photos of old skool Bikerowave, Santa Monica Critical Mass, and others: Continue Reading »

Great weather, great turnout. Almost every single person that needed front or rear lights was outfitted by a few enterprising folks selling them at cost. Riders were also briefly instructed on the ways of riding safely alongside thousand pound metal boxes. Everyone was on their best behavior, walking their bikes across crosswalks and allowing car and bus traffic to pass us whenever possible. After looping around Santa Monica a couple of times, the group decided to head to Westwood. On Wilshire - a bold move indeed. Continue Reading »

(Santa Monica PD tickets Santa Claus for not riding to the right, photo by Gary Kavanagh)

I’ve received more than a few queries lately about the status of Santa Monica Critical Mass (SMCM.) For those of you who don’t know, beginning in June ‘07, SMCM has been harassed and disrupted by Santa Monica PD (SMPD.) They’ve violated our right to free assembly and issued numerous citations, many erroneously. Continue Reading »

Santa Monica Critical Mass is a monthly bike ride in which attracts over 300 riders each month. The ride often upsets motorists because the sheer number of cyclists block traffic and the “corking” of red lights - preventing cross traffic at intersections from proceeding until the ride has passed through.

Escalade and Prius drivers alike should recognize that the ride is a blessing in disguise. Continue Reading »