Critical Mass is a monthly ride that takes place on the last Friday of every month. It exists to critique our society’s catering to the oil and gas industry, particularly its promotion of the automobile industry and its direct influence on street design. As a result of their lobbying, our roads have become speedways for the deadly machine we call the automobile. The prioritization of the combustion engine has created a system where excessive speed turns cars into weapons of mass destruction.
Our infrastructure doesn’t just need to be reimagined—it needs to be transformed. Join us on the last Friday of every month to advocate for change! Masse Critique is more than just a party ride where you'll meet like-minded bicyclists—it’s an act of protest. Meet us at 6:00pm at the French Market to help transform New Orleans from an auto-centric city into one that prioritizes all modes of transportation. The ride departs at 6:30pm.
We look forward to riding with you!
📅 Last Friday of Every Month
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 French Market, New Orleans
✊ Follow Us on Instagram @criticalmassnola
CRITICAL MASS NEW ORLEANS MANIFESTO
RIDE TOGETHER | RESIST TOGETHER | RECLAIM OUR STREETS
I. THE STREETS BELONG TO EVERYONE
For too long, New Orleans has been designed for cars, not people. Our streets are public spaces, yet they have been surrendered to high speeds, traffic violence, and pollution. We ride to reclaim what belongs to all of us—cyclists, pedestrians, transit users, and drivers alike.
II. WE ARE TRAFFIC
We do not block traffic. We are traffic. A mass of bicycles moving together, visible and undeniable. We assert our right to safe streets, our right to move freely, and our right to exist without fear of being run down by reckless drivers.
III. REENVISIONING OUR INFRASTRUCTURE
Excessive speeding and reckless driving run rampant in New Orleans, with little to no enforcement in sight. The only real solution to this lawlessness is bold, transformative infrastructure. Some of the things we advocate for are protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks for pedestrians, and narrower streets for motor vehicles—designing a city that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and sustainability for all.
IV. CRITICAL MASS IS A PROTEST, BUT ALSO A CELEBRATION.
We ride to challenge power. We ride to demand change. We ride because biking is joy, liberation, and resistance in motion. This is not just a protest—it’s a festival of freedom. A rolling revolution. A party with a purpose.
V. JOIN THE VÉLORUTION
Critical Mass is not an organization—it is an idea. A movement. A community. Whether you ride every day or just dust off your bike once a month, you are part of this. We move as one, we look out for each other, and we grow stronger with every ride.
In accordance with the law all riders must have a white headlight and a red rear light.
📅 Last Friday of Every Month
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 French Market, New Orleans
🎶 Music. Lights. Bikes. Resistance. 🎶
🚲💥 RIDE LOUD. RIDE PROUD. RIDE TOGETHER. 💥🚲
I have launched a petition to garner support for a proposal I developed to enhance safety and accessibility in the French Quarter. This initiative aims to create a more pedestrian- and bike-friendly environment while preserving the historic character of the area.
I invite you to read the proposal and consider signing the petition to help bring this issue to the attention of city leaders. Your support can make a meaningful difference in shaping a safer and more livable French Quarter.
Read more and sign here: https://chng.it/fytrmh6SK9
-Eric Gabourel
Bikes Not Billionaires: Defending Essential Bike Lane Funding
Recent actions by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk's leadership have raised concerns about potential funding cuts to vital programs, including those supporting bike lanes. DOGE's mission to streamline federal expenditures aims to reduce inefficiencies, but there is growing apprehension that essential projects, such as bicycle infrastructure, might be disproportionately affected.
In parallel, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has ordered a comprehensive review of all discretionary grants initiated during the previous administration. This includes projects focused on green infrastructure and bike lanes, with the potential for significant funding cuts. According to a leaked memo, DOT Secretary Sean Duffy has instructed officials to pause action on all Biden-era discretionary grants related to bicycle infrastructure to assess their alignment with current administration priorities.
The convergence of these developments raises a critical question: Are we prioritizing the interests of billionaires over the needs of our communities? The potential defunding of bike lane projects not only undermines efforts to promote sustainable transportation but also affects public health and urban mobility.
It's imperative to advocate for policies that balance fiscal responsibility with the well-being of our citizens. Protecting funding for bike lanes and green infrastructure is essential for fostering healthy, connected, and sustainable communities.
Let’s make sure our infrastructure investments benefit everyone—not just the ultra-wealthy. It's time to demand fair and sustainable urban planning!
TAKE ACTION!
There are growing concerns that federal funding for bike lanes and other essential transportation projects could be put on hold. These projects are proven to save lives, yet without funding, many already-approved plans may never come to life, and those currently underway could be abandoned indefinitely.
Your voice can make a difference. Join the League of American Bicyclist in urging the Secretary of Transportation to protect these crucial funds.
Tell the Department of Transportation: Don’t put vital transportation funding on ice!
Add your voice in decrying a halt to infrastructure progress. Sign the League of American Bicyclist petition here.
Critical Mass FAQS
What is Critical Mass?
Critical Mass is a monthly bicycle ride that takes place on the last Friday of each month in cities across the world. It began in San Francisco in 1992 when cyclists and activists came together to reclaim public space and assert their right to the streets. More than just a ride, Critical Mass is a demonstration of collective power, a celebration of sustainable transportation, and a reminder that cities should be built for people, not just cars.
Is anyone in charge of Critical Mass? Are you?
No, and no. Critical Mass has no leaders, no official organizers, and no hierarchy—just a shared meeting time and place. Whoever shows up helps shape the ride, and routes are chosen collectively and spontaneously.
That said, some individuals take on roles like making flyers, suggesting routes, or sharing ideas about strategy and tactics. We are among those who contribute our time and effort to organize and keep the ride going, but we claim no special authority. Critical Mass is a space where everyone is invited to participate, contribute, and make it their own.
Is this the official Critical Mass New Orleans webpage?
Not exactly—because no official Critical Mass website exists. This is one among many, and if you’re passionate about the ride, we encourage you to start your own blog, website, or social media page to spread the word.
How can I get involved?
Just show up! Critical Mass New Orleans meets on the last Friday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Barracks side of the French Market. Beyond riding, you can contribute to the movement by making flyers, stickers, zines, or anything else that spreads the message. Participation is open-ended—your creativity and energy are welcome.
Which other cities have Critical Mass rides?
Right now, there are around 300 cities worldwide with active Critical Mass rides.
Is Critical Mass anti-motorist?
No. Many of us drive when necessary, and most of us have friends and family who do. The problem isn't individuals who drive—it's the car-dominated system that forces people into cars, often against their will or best interest.
Rather than blaming individuals, we aim to change the way cities are organized. Critical Mass is part of a broader movement for safer streets, cleaner air, and a more livable city for everyone. We believe in building solidarity, not division.
I saw a Critical Mass rider acting like a jerk. Is that what the ride is about?
No. Like any public gathering, Critical Mass occasionally attracts bad behavior. We oppose aggression and harassment of all kinds—whether from cyclists, motorists, or anyone else.
We encourage a welcoming approach that invites dialogue rather than confrontation. If you see something problematic, call it out. Critical Mass works best when we treat others—including drivers—with respect and show by example the kind of city we want to create.
I am an unhappy, unstable person looking for someone to blame for the empty hole in my life. Can I use you as a target for all my pent-up fear, aggression, and resentment?
You could—but we’d rather you didn’t.
Maybe take a breath and consider this: Even people you disagree with might actually be decent humans. You might even find that, on some issues, we share common ground.
Most of us at Critical Mass are just people who care about our communities and want to see positive change. We might have unconventional ideas and unorthodox tactics, but we are not your enemies. If you approach us in good faith, we’ll return the favor. Who knows? We might even learn from each other.
I’m a journalist and need a quote for my article.
There’s a long-standing tradition in Critical Mass: we don’t do interviews until journalists actually experience the ride. So, grab your bike, join us, and introduce yourself in person—we’ll be happy to talk then.