Critical Mass
- Samantha Morgan
- May 26
- 2 min read
Critical Mass is a global grassroots cycling event that began in San Francisco, California on September 25, 1992. It was organized by a group of local cyclists to highlight cyclists’ rights to share city streets with motor vehicles. The format is simple: cyclists gather and ride through the city streets in a large, coordinated group, typically on the last Friday of every month.
The first San Francisco ride drew around 48 participants, and the movement quickly spread internationally to cities including London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Mexico City.
Critical Mass is not an organization but rather a leaderless event, with each city’s ride loosely coordinated by local cyclists. One key technique, “corking,” involves riders temporarily blocking cross traffic to ensure the mass of cyclists can pass safely. The movement has been associated with environmental advocacy, public health, and urban planning reforms, though it has also been criticized for causing traffic disruptions. Despite this, it remains a potent symbol of grassroots activism for sustainable transportation.
One city where Critical Mass remains especially vibrant is New Orleans, where the event continues to be very well attended every month.
Critical Mass in Baton Rouge
The Critical Mass movement arrived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the early 2000s, beginning at the LSU Clocktower. The first ride attracted about seven participants, and over time, it grew to draw crowds of over 200 riders. These rides followed the global tradition of being held on the last Friday of every month and often started from LSU or the Old State Capitol, with routes winding through Downtown, Spanish Town, and Perkins Road.
The rides were generally well-organized, relying on a few ride leaders, including Tina Ufford, who helped guide the group safely through city streets. Ufford later shared her experiences of leading these rides during a Downtown East Social Ride, where she spoke about the history of biking in Baton Rouge.
Baton Rouge’s Critical Mass often included a mix of road bikes, BMX, cruisers, and even skaters. The group would sometimes make planned stops to socialize, enjoy live music, or refuel with snacks.
Critical Mass in Baton Rouge wasn’t without challenges. Riders often contended with hostile motorists, distracted drivers, and limited bike infrastructure. However, the rides helped bring attention to these issues and advocated for better cycling conditions in the city. The routes usually stuck to low-traffic roads and included a mix of historic and modern neighborhoods. Occasionally, Critical Mass in Baton Rouge coincided with other community events, like art shows or local music festivals.
The last official Critical Mass ride in Baton Rouge took place in 2018, after which regular rides ceased. However, in May 2025, a local BMX rider named Nino organized a new Critical Mass ride. This event was notable for being held on a Sunday, unlike the traditional Friday schedule seen globally.
Baton Rouge’s contributions to the Critical Mass movement have been recognized internationally. The city’s rides are featured in the book of essays Shift Happens, which documents the global history of Critical Mass rides.
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