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Indybay Feature

The Joyful Alternative of Critical Mass

by Robert B. Livingston (gruaudemais [at] yahoo.com)
For just a couple of hours on the last Friday of each month, hundreds to thousands of cyclists informally ride together to claim the streets which are normally ruled by automobiles. The gathering is part celebration and part peaceful protest. The main message: we still have a choice to live our lives in a way that is more thoughtful of the world's resources, to live in a way that is more nurturing of life and health, and to live our lives with more joy.
san_francisco_critical_mass_01.png
This is the third or fourth time that I was able to join in.  I came primarily with the expectation that I might meet twelve Iranian cyclists who planned to also be a part.  They are traveling from city to city in hopes of helping convince the world that Iran does not want war.  

An informed friend told me that they were held up at the airport.  I was sorry to hear that, because had they been able to participate maybe their hopes for future peace between Americans and Iranians would have been fortified.

As I rode along today I reflected on what a beautiful city San Francisco is, and how the everyday people here are so attractive, creative, and free-spirited.

The world looks so different from a bicycle.  Here are some photos.
§A young couple joins other cyclists at Justin Herman Plaza
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_02.png
A young couple joins other cyclists at Justin Herman Plaza
§Ready to go!
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_03.png
Ready to go!
§There was a cockatoo too.
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_04.png
There was a cockatoo too.
§Many had plates that said "Bicycling Against Oil Wars"
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_05.png
Many had plates that said "Bicycling Against Oil Wars"
§A unique bicycle
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_06.png
A unique bicycle
§Cool photo, huh?
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_07.png
Cool photo, huh?
§You smile so much during Critical Mass that your cheeks can hurt!
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_08.png
You smile so much during Critical Mass that your cheeks can hurt!
§Who are you?
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_09.png
Who are you?
§A young woman on Market Street smiles while waiting for MUNI
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_10.png
A young woman on Market Street smiles while waiting for MUNI
§Road Joy
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_11.png
Road Joy
§This man said he will soon be opening a bicycle shop in North Beach
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_12.png
This man said he will soon be opening a bicycle shop in North Beach
§One bicyclist
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_13.png
One bicyclist
§and another
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_14.png
and another
§and another... on a cellphone
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_15.png
and another... on a cellphone
§break-away near King and Townsend Streets
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_16.png
break-away near King and Townsend Streets
§Traveling in style
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_17.png
Traveling in style
§The joy is contageous
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_18.png
The joy is contageous
§Another photographer who probably has cooler angles
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_19.png
Another photographer who probably has cooler angles
§Off in another direction
by Robert B. Livingston
san_francisco_critical_mass_20.png
Off in another direction
Add Your Comments
Listed below are the latest comments about this post.
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TITLE
AUTHOR
DATE
Robert B. Livingston
Sat, Sep 29, 2007 1:42AM
Robert B. Livingston
Mon, Jul 9, 2007 12:21AM
Update from Fog City Journal
Sun, Jul 8, 2007 11:46PM
Cisco K
Mon, Jul 2, 2007 3:39PM
cp
Sat, Jun 30, 2007 1:38PM
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