10th Anniversary Critical Mass Ride in Melbourne

November 26, 2005



The 10th anniversary ride of the Melbourne branch of Critical Mass saw a reported 1,004 cyclists take part. This event has occurred every month for the past 10 years.

The group has an anarchistic origin and structure, which makes it hard to pinpoint its messages. However, it does have one central message: "We aren't blocking traffic; we are traffic." Other central themes are evident, from a non reliance on cars and fossil fuels, a concern for climate change and move towards more sustainable cities, to name a few.

Friday's ride started at the State Library in Swanston St, making its way along LaTrobe, Russell, Lonsdale, Elizabeth, Collins and Swanston St to Flinders St Station, Then past Federation square, through the carpark to Batman Avenue, Down Swan St to Richmond Station, then along Hoddle St to Yarra Park, through to Simpson St, East melbourne, to Wellington St Collingwood, Stanley St to Smith St and Johnston st, finally along Brunswick St, Queens Pde to Edinburgh Gardens.

Melbourne Police Division Acting Superintendent, Stephen Dennis, said the riders were well behaved.

Although the street action didn't go without its threats from other members of the public.

"If any one of those idiots illegally impedes me I'll run straight over them," said Truck driver Ross Thornton, speaking for Critical Smash.