The biggest Critical Mass Winnipeg has ever seen. Attendance estimates range from 300 to 500+. The police laid low, but have given warning they will be less lenient about traffic violations on the next ride.
More pictures at Tear it Down.

4 articles

Cyclists disobey laws in rally against motor vehicles by Gabrielle Giroday from Winnipeg Free Press

There were no arrests or altercations, but members of the Winnipeg Police Service said a Critical Mass rally Friday involving hundreds of cyclists was “disappointing” due to a spate of broken traffic laws by participants.
About 300 cyclists, rollerbladers and skateboarders took part in the Critical Mass rally in the city’s downtown core, crowding streets and blocking traffic in a 75-minute ride.
The rally-on-wheels drew what participants said was the event’s largest attendance ever, following heightened media attention on the event after scuffles broke out between police officials and cyclists during two rallies in May.
However, although no cyclists were taken into custody or issued fines Friday, police said the Critical Mass ride was a failure.
“There were no tickets issued because we were focusing on the participants’ safety, rather than the disregard for the law the riders were demonstrating,” said Sgt. Jackie Chaput, spokeswoman for the Winnipeg Police Service.
About 10 uniformed members of the Winnipeg Police Service were present at the rally, riding on mountain bicycles among costumed and helmeted participants.
Chaput said officers observed many Critical Mass participants taking up multiple lanes of traffic, riding the wrong way down one way streets, and potentially putting pedestrians in danger by travelling down sidewalks. There were also other infractions of the Highway Traffic Act, she said.
“It’s a problem,” said Chaput.
“We need to evaluate everything that went on. That’ll guide our response and participation in future rides.”
The event Friday is part of an international Critical Mass movement dedicated to promote alternatives to motor vehicle use, and has occurred in Winnipeg since the late 1990s.
However, Critical Mass garnered increased media coverage in May for events where participants said they were swarmed by police officers during rides, with certain members hauled away in paddy wagons and questioned by officials.
Following a May 26 Critical Mass bike rally, at least 11 people filed complaints with the Law Enforcement Review Agency (LERA) alleging excessive force by police.
At least another six cyclists filed complaints with LERA regarding their treatment by police during a May 3 Critical Mass event, where participants also protested the Winnipeg-based military training exercise Charging Bison.
Participants said they were pleased with the behaviour of police officials present at the event, and said they hoped face-offs between police and cyclists were over. “It was wonderful, people seemed very happy. I think the police presence was very reasonable,” said Pat Krawec, 33. Krawec spoke out at a press conference earlier this month organized by Critical Mass participants who said they felt they had been mistreated by police.
He also said his son, Gabe, was too intimidated to attend the rally after observing earlier Critical Mass altercations between police and cyclists—but felt comfortable Friday.
“At first, Gabe wasn’t sure if he was going to go again,” said Krawec. “I think it was really great for him to see everyone having a good time.”
Not everybody was thrilled, however.
Some motorists said the rally caused drivers undue frustration, especially after they watched cyclists block cars but allow city buses through the kilometre-long trail of participants.
Starting in Central Park, cyclists completed a loop which travelled down Vaughan Street, Broadway, and Main Street. At the corner of Portage Avenue and Main Street around 5:45 p.m., many cyclists disembarked from their bikes and lifted them over their heads, stalling traffic for about five minutes.
“I think it would be nice if they planned this ahead and told motorists which areas to avoid,” said Susan Hample, who sat stranded in her vehicle while a young man parked on his bicycle in front of her car to blockade traffic. “People are stuck for a few blocks back…they want to ride their bikes, that’s fine, but they don’t have to make it hard for everybody else.”
The ride was completed at roughly 6:00 p.m. at The Forks.

Bike demo peaceful. No slack next time, cops warn by Joyanne Pursaga from Winnipeg Sun

It was a major victory or a rampant disregard for the law, depending on who you ask.
More than 300 Critical Mass cyclists rode through downtown rush hour yesterday.
Their last monthly ride on May 26 ended in a clash between cyclists and police, with seven arrests and several traffic tickets. The cyclists responded with allegations of police violence, a charge police flatly deny, and complaints to the Law Enforcement Review Agency.
“Officers tackled me from behind,” said Matthew Nightingale. “They put a knee on my head and forced me to the pavement.”
PHONE NUMBERS
Last night, Nightingale had scrawled two phone numbers in black marker across his arm—one of a close friend and one of his lawyer. He said several cyclists marked themselves to ensure police couldn’t take their contact numbers away if they were arrested.
Echoes of the previous clash were visible throughout the ride.
One rider’s back bore a sign that read “No more blood stains, give us more bike lanes.”
Yesterday, the police bicycle unit and several media escorted the riders, as they chanted, sang and cheered their way through two non-violent loops of downtown.
The cyclists left Central Park shortly after 5 p.m., and circled through downtown twice before winding up the ride at The Forks’ skating pavilion at 6 p.m.
Dozens of riders hoisted their bikes above their heads, cheered and whistled at the end.
“We were a major presence. It was great,” said rider Cleo Butcher.
But cops say the participants abused a police focus on their safety to break the law.
“The participants immediately began disregarding the Highway Traffic Act by taking up several lanes of traffic, riding the wrong way down one-way streets, failing to stop for numerous red lights and driving on the sidewalk,” said Const. Jacqueline Chaput, a Winnipeg Police spokeswoman, in a prepared statement last night.
Chaput added ignoring the rules tied up traffic and put drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in danger.
Police made no arrests and issued no tickets. But Chaput warned riders may not escape without penalty during the next monthly ride by the anti-car activists, part of an Internet-linked movement active in many cities around the world.
“After being given the benefit of the doubt, it is unfortunate that members of the Critical Mass ride disrespected what the Winnipeg Police Service felt was a common goal of a lawful and orderly ride,” she said.

Letters to the editor from Winnipeg Free Press

Critical Mass a peaceful ride
I rode in Friday’s Critical Mass bike ride through the streets of downtown Winnipeg. I’m here to tell you that, despite the generalizations of the police, I did not break a single law, nor did most of the people on the ride. I stopped at red lights, stayed in my lane, didn’t ride the wrong way down one-way streets, and stayed off the sidewalks. Basically, I did the same thing I do every day when I ride home from work on those same streets—only this time I had company.
There were a few surprises in store for me. There were no signs of vigilantes. The people I saw were all very friendly and respectful. Lots of people had a fair bit more grey hair than me and some people brought their kids. One little girl was there wearing butterfly wings. The ride was one of the most exhilarating things I’ve done in quite some time.
I have never felt so safe on a bicycle in the 20 years I’ve been cycling on this city’s streets. And despite the fact that the Critical Mass rides have been painted as a band of young vigilantes, I felt completely safe surrounded by like-minded people who respect the Earth, value a good bike ride, and want the city to give us options.
We’re ordinary people who will be voting in the next election, and we’re raising our voices to say that we want to ride our bicycles. And we want the city to support that.
HEATHER PLETT
Winnipeg
Wear a bicycle helmet
As I stopped to watch the Critical Mass protest last Friday on my walk home from work, I was dismayed to see that a significant number of the cyclists were not wearing helmets. By my estimate, it appeared that about 50 per cent of those partaking in the event were not wearing protective headgear. As a person who has been involved in a bicycle/motor-vehicle accident and evaded serious head injuries as a result of using a helmet, I can attest to the importance of wearing a helmet.
The issue of safety that the so-called movement is trying to bring to light is not a single-sided issue, but it is a double-sided issue. Commuters who use motor vehicles should respect cyclists’ rights to use our streets without fear for their safety. On the other hand, cyclists should take every precaution to ensure their own safety. This means that they should use appropriate safety equipment and follow the rules of the road.
To the people who have joined this movement, please urge, or even insist, that your fellow cyclists are wearing helmets. Perhaps, if you are able to create a movement of safety within the movement, your claim for a safer space on our streets will have a little more merit.
JASON FAST
Winnipeg
Bike riders appalling
Re: Critical Mass a peaceful ride (July 5).
I have to say, even though the demonstration was peaceful, the behaviour of bike riders in the city is still appalling. Last night, as I was crossing the intersection of Portage Avenue and Arlington Street, four female bike riders decided not to abide by the traffic lights. My partner and I had the right-of-way and as we were nearing the end of the long walk across Portage, these bike riders rode through their red traffic light, ignoring the fact that there were still pedestrians crossing. One of them missing us by a foot actually had the gall to stare at us in the eye as she crossed the intersection. Was this some sort of attempt to upset us? If is was, it worked.
Now, what I wonder is, are the efforts of Critical Mass and their “peaceful” demonstrations giving bike riders across the city some sort of “chip” on their shoulders? As if to say that since the last demonstration was a success, their downright rude behaviour on the streets can be somehow justified. But beside all of this, I am still amazed at the fact that these women were in their mid-20s, old enough to know right and wrong and abide by some law to allow pedestrians to cross safely to the other side without getting hurt. Now that the bike riders have had their time in the spotlight, who is going to stand up and show some respect to pedestrians in this city?
MELISSA DIONISIO
Winnipeg
City unsafe for cyclists
Re: Bike riders appalling (July 10).
Just what connection does Melissa Dionisio think there is between those four bike riders she encountered and Critical Mass? Is everyone who owns a car one of those maniacs who makes driving a bike on the roads a life-threatening experience? Are pedestrians and all mothers with babies in strollers in danger when a bike passes within a couple of feet? No! But the discussion of bicycles and their safe operation in our town is a matter of serious concern.
I joined the last Critical Mass bike celebration because as a bicyclist (for over 50 years) I am fed up with the dangerous conditions a bicyclist encounters in Winnipeg. I’ve biked all over the continent and there is nowhere more dangerous than Winnipeg. Besides the almost total lack of bike paths, the roads are in such terrible condition that they are in themselves a serious danger.
The time for political action and bringing this situation to the public’s attention is long overdue. Ms. Dionisio should direct her vitriol at our mayor and city councillors, some of whom have sat on council for decades ignoring the progress made in other cities, ignoring all rational and intelligent representations on the topic of bike paths, and putting all Winnipeg citizens in situations that in any other city would be considered criminal.
SHANE NESTRUCK
Winnipeg
More courtesy required
Re: Bike riders appalling (July 10).
Melissa Dionisio’s letter about being treated rudely by cyclists reminds us that it’s not only drivers who don’t fairly share space. A bicycle can be menacing to a pedestrian in a similar but less extreme way to how cars are menacing to bicycles.
I am a Critical Mass participant and I do my utmost to interact safely with pedestrians. Critical Mass promotes all forms of human-powered transport and pedestrians surely qualify. That some cyclists can be as careless as drivers doesn’t reflect on the movement, it reflects on those cyclists. Courtesy and safety are key components to using the road. It would benefit everyone if all users, drivers and cyclists alike, learned that.
KEN GERRARD
WinnipegThe car always wins
Re: Wear a bicycle helmet (July 7).
I wish letter writer Jason Fast would keep his comments relevant to the discussion about road safety for cyclists. One aspect of the Critical Mass movement is to urge or force governments to provide safe riding conditions for cyclists. Mr. Fast, you were hit by a car, get it? The car always wins. Would it not have been better to have had the option of a safe bicycle riding corridor than putting your safety concerns into a piece of Styrofoam strapped to your head? I never felt unsafe riding my bike in Sweden where such paths are provided and people rarely wear helmets. They get it—cars and bikes don’t mix. As far as I know, bike helmets are not required by law, but running over cyclists is.
BORDEN SMID
Winnipeg

Letters to the editor from Winnipeg Sun

No brains at the top
Let’s be clear—any aggression by the police toward bicyclists is not a reflection on the police but is a direct measure of the ignorance of the police chief, the mayor and the premier.
On Friday, I and hundreds of bicyclists who are fed up with that ignorance joined the Critical Mass bike ride. We were there because we are embarrassed (and terrified) to be bicyclists in a city that is a black hole of intelligent leadership.
How is it possible that those so-called leaders are so unaware of the looming energy crunch that demands that we re-adopt the bicycle and other “alternatives” to the automobile? How is it possible that the bicycle police can ride abreast and safely occupy a whole lane of the road, getting respect, while the rest of us hazard our health in aggressive and threatening traffic?
For 45 minutes hundreds of citizen bicyclists, creating no pollution, and only temporary inconvenience, but absolutely no danger or physical threat to the health of motorists, sent a message—Mayor Katz, Premier Doer, smarten up!
Shane Nestruck
Winnipeg
(And maybe you should lighten up.)
Held up by cycling horde
Regarding Critical Mass, I am so sick and tired of these people who seem to think they have the total right to the roads.
I was on my way down Assiniboine Avenue Friday night to pick up my son. I was met by the horde of these cyclists who took over the entire road. If I was to do that as a car driver I would have been charged. Can I ride on the wrong side of the road and demand the oncoming traffic stop for me?
I was surrounded by a bunch of men cyclists who stopped my car from proceeding and yes, I am a woman … hmmmm. No violence, hey?
I explained to them that I had a horrid migraine headache and just wanted to get going home. The larger of the men told me if I had taken a bus I would be home by now. I then asked him if he had any idea what is was like to be in this smoke- and humidity-filled air while having a migraine headache. All he could say was, “Well … ummmmm.” He then smiled and handed me a yellow piece of paper and told me to wait 15 “more” seconds.
They all kept yelling and showing signs to wait 15 seconds. Well it took much longer than 15 seconds for them to surround my car, never mind for the entire group to pass. They have even lowered themselves to bringing children along for intimidation.
I live in this city, pay the same taxes and much higher gas prices, yet they seem to think I owe them! I think not!
Pat Horch
Winnipeg
(First rule of the road: men should always clear a path for a woman with a migraine.)
Run-ins with cyclists
I have an idea what Pat Horch went through (Held up by cycling horde, July 4). I too have problems with people riding bicycles on the sidewalks. I mean full-grown adults yelling and cursing me because I won’t move my walk-chair off the sidewalk so they don’t have to ride on the grass.
Why do these Critical Mass people think they are better than everyone else?
R.B. Lanyon
Winnipeg
(Not because they have such nice legs.)
Should’ve had the fever
If us Critical Massers were smart, we would have grabbed a few flags and a soccer ball so that instead of being roughed up and arrested, we could drink in public, block traffic for, not a few minutes but hours, and try to punch out an officer.
Not a single derisive letter to the editor, abundant celebratory coverage from the press and, aside from the brief detention (without charges) of the puncher, little more than a “boys will be boys” attitude from the police.
Don’t get me wrong: I support safe, enthusiastic celebration from fans. Bike fans included.
Evan Hall
Winnipeg
(There’s selective tolerance for stupidity.)
Cyclists did pollute
Re: No brains at the top (Shane Nestruck, Letter of the Day. July 4).
His claim that Critical Mass didn’t create any pollution is wrong; they held up a lot of cars which in turn created more pollution by just sitting there. His group caused as much pollution that day as anybody else.
Ralph Pottinger
Winnipeg
(They’d call it justifiable exhaust.)Can’t you read the signs?
I’ve been commuting to work by bike for nearly a decade. I ride 26 km a day and I’m all business. I obey the rules of the road and expect the same from other commuters. I have neither the time nor the inclination to provoke drivers and block traffic with my eco-buddies. But I do have time to ponder the apparent confusion regarding cyclists’ rights on the Maryland Bridge.
As many of us are painfully aware, the Sherbrook Bridge is closed for construction. Consequently, traffic flow has been reduced to two lanes running each way on the Maryland Bridge.
Due to the obvious space restrictions, I virtually hug the curb when I cycle over the bridge. Yet drivers still honk. Every day, rain or shine. This strikes me as odd, because there are signs posted as you approach the bridge from both directions. It is the standard construction worker orange with black print and it says CYCLISTS SHARE ROADWAY. Above the sign is an illustration of a car and a bike, moving along side by side in what appears to be harmonious fashion. There are no symbols denoting horn sounds or expletives. It’s not art, but there is nothing left to interpretation.
So in an effort to reduce the horn-honking (particularly from those drivers too immersed in their cellphone conversations to notice street signage but somehow never too preoccupied to honk at a cyclist), I’d like to remind drivers using the Maryland-Sherbrook Bridge that cyclists do in fact share the roadway—just like the sign says.
Michele C. Mackinnon
Winnipeg
(It’s a struggle, but we think we get it.)

1 video

A clip as the mass arrives at Portage and Main from Friendly Manitoba

31 photographs

In most browsers, you can move from photograph to photograph by clicking the left and right sides of the popup box. (Supersecret tip: type 's' to start slideshow mode, scrolling through a picture every 2.5 seconds. This is a dirty hack that will be improved upon later.)

Want to add your own content? Please email until we get the contribution system working.

Route