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Words: Melvin Neale | Photos: Marcus Pieterse - www.huntercycling.com | Video: DO IT NOW Magazine
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We live in a city that has great weather all year round, and there are only a few days when we are kept off our bicycle because of the rain or cold. So why then don' t more people in Johannesburg ride bikes? The truth of the matter is that cycling in Jozi is downright dangerous! If you ride on our streets often, as I do, you will know this. You are not only invisible, but insignificant, and you must 'try' to claim your space in the traffic. And if you are not constantly aware of what’s going on around you, the chances are good that you will get hurt or worse. Our politicians have been saying all the right things for some years now, but nothing changes. Cars rule, traffic and pollution thickens, and ultimately we all lose. So what are our 'safe' options? Critical Mass is a pedalling phenomenon very unlike the Argus or 94.7 Cycle Challenge, and is where you have loads of fun and don’t need to train for months on end. However, the philosophy behind it is about taking back what should be ‘safe’ public space, no matter the amount of wheels. The movement first started in San Francisco in 1992, as a protest against the inadequate facilities for bicycle riders on the roads. Over time, it has also taken on the concept of community and self expression. Twenty-years later, the popularity of Critical Mass has grown to such an extent that it can now be found in more than 300 cities worldwide. In South Africa, Critical Mass rides take place in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria, as well as in some smaller towns such as Stellenbosch, Knysna and even Sun City.
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The monthly fun rides, always on the last Friday of the month and after rush hour, began to draw attention to bicycle-related issues; the need for safer cycling, more awareness and improved cycling infrastructure. The rides have no formal organisation or support, entrance is always free and there are no rules. It is a safe, sociable alternative to roaming the streets yourself. Impact is made when a large group of cyclists moves through the streets commanding attention and stopping traffic in a display of how powerful a big group of cyclists can be. If you happened to be in central Jozi at about 8 p.m. on any last Friday of the month, you wouldn't have been able to miss the gliding, flashing, blinking and wheeling mass of cyclists on their road, MTB or single speed bikes. And you’d be forgiven if you thought that Critical Mass is an excuse for cyclists to dress up, party and generally misbehave because you would be right. But, more importantly, the masses are also bikesafety activists. While cruising through the city in large numbers, with music blasting from a boom-box bicycle trailer, safe from Friday night traffic, they make the point that there are thousands of people in our city who want to take to the streets on their bikes and enjoy what Jozi has to offer.
For me, there is something electric about gliding through Jozi on two wheels, watching the flashing lights bounce off the dark buildings, passing by clubs and bars, and seeing the smiles or looks of astonishment on the faces of onlookers. There really is no better way to experience the city, as you move fast enough to get somewhere, but slow enough to appreciate your surroundings.
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Critical Mass is incredible, and its success locally is proof of how desperately we need safe cycling in our city. It connects people and connects us with our city. And the best thing about it is that it’s also an excuse to dress up, party, meet friends and make new ones, and just have some fun. Keen to show your support for safer cycling? Then come join us, and don’t forget to dress up (if you feel the need for some self expression), bring lights if you have them, some food and drinks, and your mates and family. You’re sure to have a great time! •
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• Critical Mass Jozi starts and finishes at the corner of De Beer and Juta Streets, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, and weaves its way through various landmarks in the CBD. • The route is approximately 15 km. • It kicks off at 19h00 and is always held on the last Friday of the month, and anyone - young and old - who knows how to ride a bike can participate. • If you are worried about riding at night, don't be because the riders stay in a group and nobody gets left behind. In addition, there are Think Bike marshals on motorbikes, and participants are encouraged to be responsible for themselves and their fellow riders. • To find out more about Critical Mass or the rides in other towns or cities, worldwide or in South Africa, search on Twitter, Facebook, call a local bike shop or visit www.criticalmass.co.za.
èRelated articles: • 94.7 Cycle Challenge (Issue 19. p. 132) • Arran Brown on Preparing for the 2010 Argus (Issue 3, p. 50) www.doitnow.co.za • 9
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