Critical mass is a bike ride that happens in cities all over the world at the same time each month to celebrate cycling. Globally, cyclists ride in critical mass for many different reasons, here are a few that are important to us:

-It is still scary to bike in Toronto. It should be possible to feel safe travelling from A-B by bike, to and from any location, whatever your age. Safety for cyclists should not be up for political debate.

-For the bicycle to be a safe way to get around, Toronto needs a full, connected, and protected bicyle lane network along all major roads. While there are plans and studies in the works for infrastructure along Bloor, Danforth and Yonge, past experience tells us that plans, studies and plans for studies does not necessarily mean action.

-The driving culture in Toronto is not one which respects cyclists. There should be formal training and evalulation for drivers as a part of the licence process to teach them the formal rules of responding to and sharing space with cyclists. It should not be up to cyclists to educate drivers.

-The feeling of being empowered on the road while on a bicycle. We are not blocking traffic, we are traffic!

Bring your music, bike and bells. There is no one leader or organizer of this ride, the person at the front will decide the route and anyone can put up posters and promote the ride how they wish. If you don't get there on time, don't worry, follow us on the app Critical Maps! Looking forward to seeing you there!