We need an uprising for cycling and other forms of non-motorised transport, almost everywhere, and as soon as possible. Decades of car-centric policies have put most of the places we live in a chokehold. Around the world, everyday life is shaped by the omnipresent car, backed by a powerful car lobby and politicians who have long internalised its logic.
What may look set in stone, or asphalt, can be reversed. It can be challenged and changed. We are convinced that we can push back against disastrous urban planning through an unapologetic and steadfast campaign: Critical Mass.
Our approach to this bicycle demonstration is rooted in a belief in direct action as a catalyst for political change. Critical Mass is not a party ride, even though it is joyful and fun. It is a non-violent protest against the status quo, one that draws attention to the needs of cyclists and exposes issues politicians prefer to ignore or sweep under the carpet.
For us, it is therefore crucial to build a resilient movement, one that does not fizzle out after a short time or lose its political edge. This can only happen if we, and everyone who joins Critical Mass, take the time to inform ourselves about bicycle politics and actively share what we learn.
The car lobby hates that shit 😉
This is why we want to share how you can start a Critical Mass. Below, you’ll find a checklist we made (you can also download as PDF here,Word here) summarising what we did in Bergen. Feel free to pick, choose, and adapt whatever works for you. Success isn’t guaranteed, it depends on how you define it and what your goals are.
For our first year, our goal was simple: establish a Critical Mass in our town and get some people riding with us. Without bragging, here’s a humble fact: we averaged over a hundred riders per event in a city where only 3 % of trips are made by bike (though it often feels even less), where it rains 248 days a year, where people rarely protest, and where most prefer activities that don’t involve meeting new people.
Are we done after our first year? Not at all! This was just the beginning.
Critical Mass Bergen 