For several months now I've been toying with the idea of turning up to a Cambridge Critical Mass ride. On checking their website however I've now discovered that they have admitted - in flowery terminology - that turnout for these events has been much lower than is required to keep them viable.
For those who don't know a "Critical Mass" ride is essentially a protest ride by cyclists where they ride en-mass to show that there are cyclists in that city and that they should be respected by other road users. To be honest I'm not surprised that the Cambridge (UK) version is not as popular. If you look at cities where Critical Mass events take place regularly, Frisco, NY, London etc what you see is that these are large super-cities where cyclists are under represented and cyclists are essentially in fear of using the roads.
Cambridge does not need a Critical Mass, since there is no reason - at present - to protest about under representation or about attitudes from other road users. In essence if you want to see large groups of cyclists using Cambridge roads and cycle facilities, merely watch the everyday traffic in the city. Photos coming soon!
If there were a spate of accidents involving cyclist casualties at the hands of motor vehicles, or a change to council regulation with respect to road planning and cycle accomodation then I'm sure protest rides would gain more interest. At the present time though it would seem that it is an unecessary protest.
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