A Critical Moment for Critical Mass

Love it or hate it, Critical Mass has been stirring up debate lately. From the Reader author who threatened violence against CM riders, to the recent meeting to discuss strategies for keeping the event positive, San Diego’s largest monthly ride has certainly been drawing some attention from both bicyclists and non-bicyclists.

Voice of San Diego’s Keegan Kyle has entered the fray with a rather negative impression of Critical Mass, which is bound to stir up its own controversy. Kyle mentions, but brushes off, the very positive meeting that took place the Monday before the ride, and refers to the event itself as “a serious public safety risk,” emphasizing the fact that laws were broken but no citations were issued by police. Kyle is especially bothered by the fact that the police maintain a presence at the Mass, but do not attempt to control it or issue citations for unlawful riding. We wonder if Kyle believes the alternatives (either a police crackdown, or a total police absence) would be better?

We would like to encourage our readers to write to Kyle and to Voice of San Diego with your opinions on the piece and about Critical Mass, either positive or negative. Contact information is at the bottom of Kyle’s piece.

Image: Voice of San Diego