Critical mass, a nationwide movement of bicycle liberation from petrol-vehicular totalitarianism, is garnering interest in Columbus once again. The ride, which happens the last friday of every month, has shown considerable growth from months previous.

At 5:30 on Friday 9/30, almost 40 bikers, young and old joined at the statehouse to ride around the city and show their support for biking and non-automotive transportation.

For some it is the reclaiming of the road, and for others it is the presence in the back of the car-drivers mind, and still for some it is the opporunity to shout at fuel-usurping SUVs.

Many people who believe critical mass is a great way to get bicycle recognition have been spreading the word about the comeback of this radical take on pedaling. And riders are brainstorming on how to make it better - several members of the ride offered that "there are not enough visible signs of what this [the ride] is [for the public]" Some agreed that there needs to be something more recognizable about critical mass, such as a banner or signs.

Especially with the re-opening of Thirdhand Bicycle Cooperative in Clintonville, the emphasis on biking's importance has been the buzz latley in Columbus, so get on it! Aside from critical mass, Columbus bikers hold regular rides on Monday night and Wednesday night, the former being less intense riding than the later; both meet at 9:30pm at 15th and High st.

Check out the IMC article and video on the D.C. critical mass september 23 HERE

also see the national site http://www.critical-mass.org/ and check on columbus for a summary.