A few riders were slapped with traffic tickets but that was about as combative as things got between Winnipeg police and cyclists yesterday afternoon during another Critical Mass rally in the downtown core.

More than 150 cyclists took part in the rally, which began at Central Park and then wound through the downtown, Broadway, the Exchange District, Waterfront Drive, St. Boniface and finally The Forks.

The convoy lasted 75 minutes.

About 10 members of the Winnipeg Police Service were present at the rally, riding on mountain bicycles among the participants, while several cruiser cars stayed close behind.

"Our officers' role was to ensure our commitment to a peaceful escort and to focus on the safety of the participants so on one was injured," said police spokeswoman Const. Jacqueline Chaput.

While there were no arrests or altercations, Chaput said many participants ignored the rules of the road.

Chaput said police observed many Critical Mass participants spread across multiple lanes of traffic, preventing motorists and pedestrians from proceeding and causing traffic snarls.

Some riders blatantly ran red lights.

"We're disappointed in the actions of some of the participants in the ride," Chaput said. "Overall, it was a peaceful ride, but there was outright disregard for the law and a lack of respect for other motorists and pedestrians."

A number of traffic notices were issued to individuals prior to and after the event, she said.

The rally was just half the size of one held earlier this month, following heightened media attention to the event after scuffles broke out between police officials and cyclists during two rallies in May.

The event is part of an international Critical Mass movement dedicated to promoting alternatives to motor vehicle use, and has occurred in Winnipeg since the late 1990s.