They take to the streets, every first Friday of the month, for a euphoric ride through Santa Monica, or at least that’s what it used to be.
Months after the Santa Monica Police Department began stepping up enforcement of Critical Mass’ ride, the number of participants is decreasing and fear that one might receive a ticket for seemingly trivial offenses is on the rise.
The reaction to Critical Mass from bystanders has been mixed, some cheering as the bike riders stream by in a blur, others frustrated that the cyclists take up an entire lane of traffic and seem to ignore the rules of the road, like stopping at a stop sign.
After Santa Monica Police officers began enforcing the ride in the late spring and early summer, several members of Critical Mass met with leaders of the police department to iron out their differences, but talks have stalled between both parties.
The strained relationship between the police and cyclists boiled over after police officers issued 32 tickets to cyclists during their November ride, with offenses ranging from riding outside of the bike lane to inadequate lighting. Members of Critical Mass spoke at a City Council meeting last month in which they criticized the city and the police department.
While the ride still continues in Santa Monica, the cyclists have limited their time spent in Santa Monica, departing for Venice and West Los Angeles after a few miles for greener pastures.
“We leave for LA because SMPD harasses us,” said Alex Thompson, the unspoken, but outspoken leader.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 29, 2007. Read the original PDF.