Critical Mass Houston

Type

Road, Social

Level

Novice
Rides suitable for cyclists who are new to the sport (or who have not been on a bike for some years), family-friendly rides or any riders that feel a need for some mentoring. Note: please note that minors under the age of 16 cannot participate in rides unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Families with children should, in any event, confirm with the ride leader ahead of time that the ride will be suitable for their needs.

Intermediate
Targeted towards riders who have a few years in the saddle, who have developed some riding confidence and fitness and feel ready to move to the next level. Could attract more experienced riders who are looking for a relaxed or less aggressive ride.

Advanced
Limited to experienced riders with superior bike handling skills and who are comfortable with a fast pace (probably including single and/or double pace-line riding) and/or hilly terrain, and the possibility of heavily trafficked roads. Advanced rides are less likely to be "no-drop" unless identified as such.

Novice, Intermediate

Expected Turnout

150+

Distance

10 - 14

miles

Average Speed

4 - 6

mph

Date

Friday, 26 Apr, 2024Monthly on the fourth Friday

Time

7:00 PM

Description

Critical Mass Houston is a casual bike ride starting from downtown Houston and going wherever. Cars rule the road every day, but one day a month we get together to celebrate our love for bicycles and have fun riding our bikes. This is generally a slow-paced ride where persons of all skill levels can participate. People start gathering around 6:30 and we roll out around 7:15pm. We’re usually at our final location between 9:30 – 10pm, and each time we try to finish some place fun and hang out for a while.

Meet up on the last Friday of the month between 6:45pm – 7:15pm at the Historical Market Square Park at 301 Milam in downtown. It happens every month, rain or shine. We’re pretty easy to spot, just look for hundreds of bicycles.

RIDE ETIQUETTE
If you’ve never participated in Critical Mass before, please go over the simple instructions listed below:

1 This ride belongs to all of us. Take care of it.

2 Keep the pace/speed being set by the ride leaders at the front of the group. This is not a race.

3 Stay in the right lane whenever possible.

4 Please DO NOT show aggression to vehicles. Drivers may sometimes show their frustration by honking or yelling at the mass. Please ignore them and keep the peace.

5 Drinking is not recommended during the ride. Please save drinking for after. Riding while intoxicated is not safe for you or other riders around you. Also please don’t litter.

6 Please do not ride recklessly. Have fun during the ride but please don’t ride in a way that is unsafe for other riders around you.

7 Have fun and know that each rider represents the entire mass. Help us work to keep a good reputation with the city and drivers that share the road with us.

Sponsored By

Organization

Critical Mass

Critical Mass is a cycling event typically held on the last Friday of every month; its purpose is not usually formalized beyond the direct action of meeting at a set location and time ... moreand traveling as a group through city or town streets on bikes.

The event originated in 1992 in San Francisco; by the end of 2003, the event was being held in over 300 cities around the world.

Critical Mass has been described as "monthly political-protest rides", and characterized as being part of a social movement. It has been described as a "monthly protest by cyclists reclaiming the streets." Participants have insisted that these events should be viewed as "celebrations" and spontaneous gatherings, and not as protests or organized demonstrations. This stance allows Critical Mass to argue a legal position that its events can occur without advance notification of local police.

Group Rides: