Montreal cyclists face the double danger of cars and cops.

On Friday, May 28th, cyclists once again gathered in Phillip's Square in downtown Montreal for a critical mass bike ride. Critical mass is a celebratory and politically-charged ride which happens around the world on the last Friday of every month. Its goal is to demonstrate the fact that bikes are by far the most sustainable and efficient method of urban transportation, and also to create a safe space for cyclists who choose to assert their rights to the road.

See also:

• April 30th: CYCLISTS ARRESTED AND FINED AT CRITICAL MASS IN MONTREAL

 
On Friday, May 28th, cyclists once again gathered in Phillip's Square in downtown Montreal for a critical mass bike ride. Critical mass is a celebratory and politically-charged ride which happens around the world on the last Friday of every month. Its goal is to demonstrate the fact that bikes are by far the most sustainable and efficient method of urban transportation, and also to create a safe space for cyclists who choose to assert their rights to the road.

As Montreal moves into its long, hot summer months, this ride had an added significance. It seems that each year, summer days in Canadian cities are becoming more and more deadly. Many cannot leave the house without paying close attention to the UV index reports, and smog (which has been linked to fatal illnesses such as cancer and asthma) warnings are heard all too frequently in major cities. While more cars hit the road, these problems just keep getting worse.

Health and environmental implications aside, the summer is simply a horrible time to be driving a car. While frustrated motorists wait bumper to bumper and tap their fingers impatiently against their steering wheels, cyclists cruise freely along bike paths, through parks, and weave their way effortlessly between lunkish and exhaust-stenched cars, smiling all the way.

Determined to take their message to the streets, and have a good time doing it, the critical mass departed at around 5:50pm, just as rush hour traffic was nearing its peak. The 40 or so cyclists started off on Ste-Catherine street and wound their way all throughout the downtown core. Many first-time massers were impressed with how well received the ride is by on-lookers on the sidewalks. It isn't uncommon to hear wild cheers of support from pedestrians and people relaxing on café terraces. As the ride wound on, it actually grew in size as passing cyclists joined in. Critical mass is simply contagious in its spontaneity.

However, at approximately 6:40pm, the mass was stopped by nearly eight police cruisers (read CARS!) at the corner of Ste-Catherine and Aylmer where it first began. All the cyclists responded obediently to the orders from the police to pull over and present identification, but they were visibly angered and dismayed.

Many will remember that April's critical mass ended in a shocking fashion as police aggressively tore people off their bikes in mid-flight and even arrested one participant (after he slammed into their car door). In an article in the Hour on May 13th, Stephanie O'Hanley wrote, “For the first time in 11 years of Montreal Critical Mass ride history, an event ended with a violent arrest and several tickets.