Indymedia York

At 6pm on Friday 3rd November York's Critical Mass finally got moving. After two months of spreading the word, at 5:30pm around 60 cyclists began assembling outside the Minster. With a bike-mounted sound system and lots of tinkling from bike bells, the ride set off to spread the message that cycling is good for the environment and definitely lots of fun.

York's newly launched Critical Mass was first announced on this site on 7th September and an article entitled "What is Critical Mass?" appeared some time later. Photos from the event have now been published here as well. Look out for more as the next ride approaches!

The ride headed across Lendal Bridge, passed the station and out along Blossom Street. It then turned into Scarcroft Road and back towards the centre on Bishopthorpe Road before heading across Skeldergate Bridge and the River Foss. After two trips around the Fishergate Gyratory, a decision was taken to keep going and head past the Barbican towards Foss Islands Road. The ride went along Jewbury, left into Monkbar, along Minster Yard and then along Petergate, Colliergate and Fossgate to Walmgate.

On arriving at Space 109, the community art space on Walmgate, food was served, people discussed the night's ride and a film documenting the history of the San Francisco ride was shown. Publicity for future rides and other activities was handed around. A quick introduction to using IndyMedia was also given.

Critical Mass will now happen on the First Friday of every month, assembling at 5:30pm outside the Minster (near the Dean Court Hotel), and heading off on a route agreed by those turning up. Food and film showings are planned for each month. Critical Mass works best when everyone takes responsibility for publicity, so download some fliers or design your own and get publicising!