Chicago Critical Mass
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Bicycle youth: Quetzal Kilgore, 18, shares the experience of growing up car-free in Chicago
"There's a good mix of time where you don't want your parents to drop you off, but you have to, because you don't have your own car," Quetzal said. "I never had that."
May 21, 2025
Cycling advocate Juan Dominguez hospitalized after he called out driver blocking protected lane, passenger attacked him with crowbar
Note: This post includes a somewhat graphic image of a head injury.
April 27, 2025
Where’s “Ace Mann”? Helping run the Critical Mass Twitter account, and chronicling just about every social bike ride in Chicago.
Mann talked about why he does so many rides, his surprising day job, and what Chicago should do to make this a safer cycling city.
September 11, 2024
After violence on last two Chicago Critical Mass rides, thankfully Friday’s event was peaceful, but still wild
Participants seemed to do their part to keep interactions with drivers cordial, but there were bold incursions on expressways and Lower Wacker Drive.
July 28, 2024
There’s no shame in the Critical Mass “corking” game. But after violence two months in a row, let’s increase the peace
Enraged drivers assaulted CCM riders blocking intersections on the Near North Side and in Uptown, including shots fired. What's the right way forward?
July 3, 2024
Gallery: Chicago Critical Mass marks 25 years (or is it 50?) by biking the Ike
This was highly symbolic, since an ongoing project to expand the interchange has cost $800 million so far in taxpayer money, but it has little or no direct value for people who don't own cars.
October 1, 2022
Chicago Critical Mass celebrates its 25th (or is it 50th?) anniversary this Friday
"Over the past 50 years, Critical Mass has made Chicago a bike-friendlier town," said cofounder and prankster Michael Burton said in a statement. "Despite these many gains, there's much work still to be done."
September 26, 2022
Get your Helmut on: Honor architect and fallen cyclist Jahn with these bike rides
There are already a few different ways you can pay tribute to Jahn on your bicycle, including a self-guided tour of his downtown designs.
May 12, 2021
Requiem for a “Stop for Pedestrians” Sign: Documenting Driver-Damaged Placards
A photo installation by Chicago Critical Mass cofounder Michael Burton shows that, ironically, drivers regularly destroy the placards that remind them to be more careful.
April 2, 2018
Chicago Critical Mass Turns 20 — Is It Still Needed?
The ride deserves credit for helping to get more people on bikes, change the built environment, and launch countless careers in advocacy and planning.
October 5, 2017
