A bike ride that sparked arrests and allegations in May wheeled in another peaceful journey yesterday.

Critical Mass aims to promote bicycles as an alternate form of transportation. It began in San Francisco in 1992 and has spread to several cities.

Rides generally happen on the last Friday of each month.

Cyclist Ken Gerrard said it's a chance for cyclists to claim their rightful place on city streets.

"It's so hostile out there for us," said Gerrard. "You wouldn't believe it. It's a terrifying environment."

But previous rides triggered conflict with police.

Rides on May 3 and May 26 sparked allegations of police violence.

On May 26, for example, seven cyclists were arrested, while several others received traffic tickets.

Yesterday, about 150 Critical Mass cyclists gathered at Central Park. The ride began at 5 p.m., looping through downtown, St. Boniface and Market Square before ending in The Forks' skating pavilion just over an hour later.

"I think the last (June) ride was a test to see if people were intimidated by the cops. But I think this one proved that wrong," said rider Kelly McKinnon of the peaceful trek.

The June ride drew more than 300 Critical Mass riders, some with emergency numbers scribbled across their arms in case they were arrested.

Police noted several traffic violations that night but didn't hand out tickets.

This time, cyclists stopped at several lights and yielded to buses.

STILL BROKE LAW

But police said the riders still broke the law.

"They did stop for some red lights, and that's a positive step," said police spokeswoman Const. Jacqueline Chaput.

"But they also stopped traffic on their own to let other cyclists go through red lights."

Police doled out several tickets before and after the event, as it was deemed unsafe to do so during the ride, said Chaput.

But most riders felt it was a success.

"Having a lot of people makes it safe on the route," said Ken Gerrard. "We've achieved critical mass, I would say."

But Alex Wright, who was arrested on both May rides, said the thinning numbers pose a concern.

"I worry once the numbers dwindle more, the police may decide to clamp down again," said Wright.