Bicycles on the Freeway

Crimanimal@gmail.com

Crimanimal Mass wants you to know: If you rode a bicycle, you'd be home by now!

The Freeway Traffic Jam Ride took place on a Friday at 5:30 p.m. when freeway traffic reaches a critical mass on two of Los Angeles' busiest freeways. The time and day were carefully chosen after considerable research and scouting was made over a two week period prior the ride taking place. Based on unverified data and rider speculation, it was assumed that vehicles moved at a speed between 10 and 15 mph, when moving. There was no plan/strategy on what to do when actually on the freeway, as no rider in the group had ever ridden their bicycle on a freeway in this fashion. Riders agreed to a "every rider for themselves " approach regarding police involvement and a "no rider left behind" mentality pertaining to injuries or mechanical failure.

Starting in Santa Monica, 15 bicyclists boarded the Cloverfield on-ramp (Santa Monica Fwy/I-10) and rode 0.87 miles to the Centinela off-ramp. They re-entered the 1-10 Fwy at Bundy and rode 0.44 miles to the I-405 N on-ramp and rode another 1.56 miles to the Santa Monica Blvd. exit. The ramp to the I-405 N was a steep grade and 0.65 miles in length. Riders rode a total of 2.65 freeway miles.

The ride's political stance and agenda(s) was neutral, yet many participants shared common views. When asked WHY, riders refer to the ride's tagline and collective motto: "If you rode a bicycle, you'd be home by now!" This statement encompasses views on oil dependency, sustainable living, and critique of the Los Angeles' transportation infrastructure.

For more information about the pre and post ride dialog and controversy please see Midnight Ridazz thread.

For a more concise history of the ride check the IBIKEU Wiki entry.

The Fine Print:
Crimanimal Mass was a ride series created out of rider reaction to the Santa Monica Police Department harassment toward Santa Monica Critical Mass participants. Crimanimal Mass rides were intended to create legal disruption that was more antagonistic toward anti-cycling tactics employed by local law enforcement. Along with protesting SMPD tactics the ride collective sought to raise awareness of Bicyclists' rights in general.

MUSIC:
FUNDERSTORM