Some have described it as an ‘unorganized coincidence.’ Participants usually define it as a spontaneous gathering. People coming together with their bicycles (although some don’t shy away from coming with their skateboards or roller blades), to ‘cycle’ the streets for a few hours is better known as 'Critical Mass'. Anyone can join in. The routes are often chosen on the spot and as the group moves along.
An event like ‘Critical Mass’ is special in that it is an important reminder of the non-fuel commuting alternatives which can now be utilized more often with the improvement of the weather. The small town streets of Athens tend to become overcrowded with cars during school period. In this sense, 'Critical Mass' is also a way of reclaiming the streets, and working to make them a safer, friendlier, and more sustainable environment by exemplifying alternative modes of transport.
‘Critical Mass’ is not an organization one has to become a member of in order to participate. It is a way of unifying a community behind an idea, and it differs from city to city and from country to country. ‘Critical Mass’ has also been described as a protest movement and has been seen as controversial in many parts of the world, although such a description might be inaccurate with regards to its intentions. It could, instead, be called a movement of raising awareness about the lack of a sustained policy in favor of using other ways of transport besides motor vehicles and favoring car owners when organizing infrastructure. It is because of such problems that cycling has become more and more dangerous especially in the big cities.
‘Critical Mass’ is a global phenomenon, in a sense, but one which has been appropriated and adapted by people around the world to express the problems in their communities. It is a way of becoming aware of the traffic difficulties and road safety in a community, and to better traffic's impact on the overall environment. In addition, there are other potential benefits to consider when taking your bike out for a ride more often and reasons to feel good about it. Bicycles do not impact an area's carbon footprint and have a low overall impact on the environment. They are energy efficient forms of transportation, which are great to use especially for short trips, as well as providing healthy exercise and a sustained work-out routine.
The weather has not been very inviting when it comes to outdoor activities in the past few months. But, if there is a chance for sunshine and warm temperature, joining the local 'Critical Mass' this Friday at the College Green monument would be a smart choice.
The gatherings are held on Fridays at the end of every month. If you want to become more informed on ‘Critical Mass’ in Athens, you can join the Facebook page, which describes the activity as: “a bicycle parade through the streets of Athens, Ohio to celebrate and advocate these self-propelled contraptions that bring countless benefits to society. We ride for fun. We ride for awesomeness. We ride to save the world.”
Athens Critical Mass is a great chance to stay active and socialize, as well as end in a fun way the OU 2011 Earth Month!
