Minneapolis Critical Mass Drive-By

On Friday night, there was a Halloween dress-up-and-ride Critical Mass through Minneapolis. Unfortunately, I was throwing a party and not participating in this ride. However, I am glad I not was part of the mess that appeared in my hood on Franklin and Pleasant. We observed a few different groups (the mass probably go split up) riding the wrong way on the street in both directions, East and West, against traffic. I cannot emphasize how entirely uncool this behavior is. It is dangerous to drivers and does not promote a healthy transportation system for anyone.

Think about it. It’s Halloween weekend. There are lot of people commuting to parties, and it’s not unreasonable to assume that a lot of people in this city have been drinking. If you’re going to be riding like assholes, please pick another night to do it. I would personally love to ride in Critical Mass myself, but I don’t want to be part of a group that makes drivers hate bikers.

More information and debate about this ride is discussed at the Minneapolis Bike Love Forums. Check it out.

PS: I still give props to the organizers of Critical Mass. I am sure they full of good intentions. I just wish riders wouldn’t ride in circles on Franklin Ave.