We are reaching a CRITICAL MASS!

We are reaching a Critical Mass, or at least that is what I am hoping for! A Critical Mass of people that will finally wake up and realize that most of the stuff that we, as a society are doing, are wrong and harmful to all species including humankind and to the entire planet.

We are entirely dominated by our ego, and aren’t able to realize that if we would stop for a second and take a look at what our species has done, we would be horrified. And I am not just talking about the ecological destruction that our kind has brought to the planet. I am talking about all the abusive behavior towards man, himself.

But now I want to approach the subject from a POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE and bring to your attention an ecological movement, which is held every month in over 300 cities around the world.

Critical Mass is an ecological driven movement, which first took place 25 years ago in San Francisco, USA. It’s a monthly event, typically held on the last Friday of the month.

image source upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Critical_Mass%2C_San_Francisco%2C_April_29%2C_2005.jpg

Critical Mass has been described as a „monthly protest by cycling reclaiming the streets”. From my own experience, I can say that it’s a meeting were the atmosphere is full of positive vibrations, people are joyful and friendly, celebrating and enjoying cycling along with others.

What I really like about Critical Mass is that it has a DECENTRALIZED STRUCTURE, and that there are no leaderships or memberships. Routs are decided spontaneously by whoever is currently in the front.
The only requirement for the event to take place is just by simply showing up and creating a Critical Mass.
Here in Cologne Germany, where I’ve been living for the past 3 years, the event has been held for 7 years.

For the last year and a few months I also participated and had been a real pleasure.

Enjoying the ride with wonderful people... <3

The event is currently held in over 300 cities around the world. In most of the cities it is a monthly movement, but in others, for example in Budapest, Hungary it is hold 2 times per year on April 22 (Earth Day) and September 22 (International Car Free Day). This event attracts a lot of cyclists and the Budapest ride participation in 2008 was estimated at 80 000 riders.

Image source www.spottedbylocals.com/wp-content/uploads/critical-mass-budapest.jpg

Here in Cologne, we meet at 5:30 PM, every last Friday of the month at Rudolfplatz, and leave at 6:00 PM, accompanied by sounds of people ringing their bell.

The ride lasts for 3 hours, with more than 30 km of City cycling. We often go over at least one of the bridges which connect the parts of the city divided by the Rhine River. It’s a nice feeling having the entire road for ourselves.

A lot of people bring portable music boxes, and you can hear all types of music playing. When I would hear something that I like, I would try to stay closer to that person. :)
The atmosphere is very pleasant and you can easily connect with other people. Most of the eyes contacts end up with lots of smiles. :)
As for the people that take part as spectators, they are generally happy and pleased to see the event. Some people don’t have any patience, but cyclists try to explain them calmly that we will pass in a few minutes, and they can continue their walking or driving.
It's really amazing to make connections and enjoy moments with strangers!

We are even accompanied by a few cycling police men, and a police car that stays in the back of the pack. I am not a fan of the authorities, but in this case, from what I have seen, they only interfere if there are some altercations between cyclists and drivers or pedestrians, and try to peacefully solve the conflict.

Riding through a tunnel is one part which I really enjoy! We make a lot of happy noises and a lot of energy is felt through the air.

At the end some people lift their bikes over the head!

image source admin.citiesintransition.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/the-bike-lift-the-critical-mass.jpg

I am very happy and grateful to be able to take part at this wonderful event!