Can You Define That? What Is 'Critical Mass'?

If you have been outside in your car, your lawn or even just walking or riding through the streets of Ferndale on the third Friday of the last two months, you might have seen something new. A large number of bike riders, maybe as many as 100, taking over the streets. This is more than just a massive bike ride, it's a movement felt in major cities all over the country. It's called critical mass.

The physics term "critical mass" refers to the minimum amount of fissile material required to maintain a reaction. Replace the term "fissile material" with "people" and the phrase "maintain a reaction" with "create change," and you have the basic definition of the ride.

It started in San Francisco in the early 1990's when cyclists were risking their lives to ride on the streets. They formed the ride to force a change in the way cycling was treated by those who made the roads. It worked and now critical mass has taken over many major cities in the U.S.

As a rule, this ride is meant to be a Xerocracy -- rule through photocopying. While being slightly anarchic, the premise is that no centralized leader organizes the group. The group simply materializes, leaving from the same place on the same day at the same time every month. The ideal critical mass would have no planned route and would function similarly to a flock of geese where the participants shift around in such a way that no one person leads the entire ride.

There have been many reasons to organize a group like this. Some riders are fanatical about blocking traffic and making a statement. Others just come along for the fun. Recently it would seem that "going green" is one of the best reasons, however there are still places where bicycles receive less respect than they deserve. Some people ride for the exercise or to meet others with similar interests. Ultimately, it means something different to everyone who goes and that is what makes this event such an interesting one.

Of course there are always those who attempt to define everything in life and critical mass is no exception. If the ride doesn't meet on the LAST Friday of the month it may be said that the ride is not a "true" mass. The Chicago Critical Mass has routes online for riders to see prior to Friday and to some riders this is simply unacceptable.

Dig down, past the surface definition and the fanatics, and one finds the true meaning of critical mass. Despite differing opinions and politics, the one common interest all riders share is the love of riding. And isn't that ultimately what critical mass should be about?