Conflicts Involving Critical Mass

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. There have been many conflicts during Critical Mass bicycling events resulting in arrests or requiring police presence. Critics say that Critical Mass, a bicycling advocacy event held primarily in large metropolitan cities, is a deliberate attempt to obstruct automotive traffic and disrupt normal city functions, since individuals taking part refuse to obey traffic laws.On May 11, 2007 an incident occurred in Berkeley, California when a motorist met an intersection with dozens of bicycles crossing. Bicycle advocates claim that the driver shouted, "I'm sick of you people," while bicyclists were in the intersection. It is not clear who had the right of way. The driver attempted to strike the cyclists and drive through the ride. The motorist and his wife, two witnesses, and the police alleged the bikers threw their bicycles under the vehicle. This is disputed by other witnesses. Critical Mass participants then rocked the vehicle, pounded the hood, and broke its windshield. $3000 worth of damage was done to the bicycles.