Critical Mass. Some Guidelines...

Critical Mass is a chance encounter of bicyclists at an agreed place and time. Critical Mass does not have a predetermined route, neither leaders  nor rules, but to ensure success of the ride we have found some behaviors that allow the Critical Mass to gain the most in terms of visibility and attention, create consensus and avoid accidents of any type. These are simple guidelines open to discussion and revision.

Critical Mass is open to everybody, it is not only for cyclists. People on skates, roller skates, human-powered-scooters, and on foot are all welcome.

• A general route is defined in the mailing list or before the start. The route may be slightly changed by the people at the head of the ride, due to road viability or reasons of psycho-geography. The people at the head of the mass change all the time during the ride: if you have ideas about a route to follow, propose it during the ride.

• In general, it is good to avoid insisting too much on very busy streets (such as, in Rome, the Lungotevere) and to include transit in pedestrian areas.

• Always keep a kind attitude to the motorists: explain the reasons of the ride (best with flyers) and use irony. If the motorist is especially irate it is best to avoid discussions and let him/her go. Our enemies are not motorists, but the car culture.

• The mass should stay as compact and united as possible. Those at the head of the mass should remember that not all participants are professional cyclists, while those at the back should try to keep up with the main body of the mass. A compact mass makes clear the meaning of the ride and it makes clear that it is useless to try to pass single cyclists.

• Try to respect street signs, but not at the cost of the compactness of the ride.

• Always let emergency vehicles in service pass.

• Do not invade lanes dedicated to public transport.

• Always try to let buses pass and to be understanding to taxis. In a  more liveble city public transport is encouraged.

• In case of an accident avoid thronging. Only the cyclist that has been injured and a pair of witnesses should sty on site in order to check the damage and report to the police, if needed. The rest of the mass should wait in the area only for the time needed to understand the situation. The ride starts again only when it is clear that there are not going to be further problems for the injured cyclist. The witnesses and the injured cyclists remain on site while the mass starts again.

• In case of problems with the police, stay with the mass and avoid taking personal initiative.

• Critical Mass is colorful: it is highly encouraged that you bring along signs, carnival masks, balloons, bells, musical instruments, UFOs and the like.

• There are no official flyers. The only official flyer is the one you make...