A Movement
(And just fyi, some of the wording in here is from the Critical Mass post. Some things cannot be said any better than they said it. However, because I am blending it into my words, it's hard to separate it. I will differentiate where I can. The list of victims is theirs from "Within the span..." to the last person mentioned. Thank you, Critical Mass, for giving me some of the words and all of the inspiration to talk to our customers more easily on such an emotional subject.)
This weekend is a Critical Mass ride.
Who are Critical Mass?
Critical Mass is a group out of Toronto. They meet once a month, usually the last Friday of the month, for a ride around Toronto, celebrating cycling life and bringing awareness to cycling infrastructure problems. They are based in Toronto and maintain a good presence in London. They reach out across Ontario to help with the fight against Anti-Bike Lane Legislation, push safe cycling, and advocate for evidence-based changes to infrastructure.
They are also an autonomous group advocating for safe cycling. Laws, lanes, and awareness.
There is a ride on Saturday to raise awareness for six London area people in particular. Within the span of a month there have been now 6 reported vehicle collisions in our neck of the woods affecting vulnerable road users—4 injured, 2 killed.
September 14: Pedestrian killed on Hale
September 16: Cyclist struck on Dundas, sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries
September 30: Cyclist struck just east of London near Thames Centre, killed
October 6: Cyclist struck by police on Hamilton, sent to hospital
October 8: Pedestrian struck on King, sent to hospital
October 12: Cyclist struck in St Thomas, sent to hospital
These things should never happen. We must share the road. We must end road violence. This ride is to remind us all that we are a community. We live, work, laugh and grieve together.
When we are walking, it is our responsibility to make sure we don't put ourselves in harm's way.
When we are on our bikes, it is our responsibility to watch for pedestrians to keep them and ourselves safe. We are also vehicles of the road and, therefore, we are responsible for making sure we follow the rules of the road.
When we are on four or more wheels, or more powerful two-wheeled bikes, it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone smaller than us is safe. That's anything from a dirt bike to the carpool car to a bus or a transport truck.
We need to work together to make sure we keep ourselves and each other safe and healthy.
In case you can't read cursive (what? it happens. I'm not judging but... 👩🏻⚖️):
Rider Guidelines:
▢ Read the protest information pinned to The Biking Lawyer’s profile
▢ Tell loved ones where you’re headed
▢ Bikes should have pumped tires, working brakes, lights & a bell
▢ Rain or shine, so dress for the weather
▢ Helmet required for riders under 18; recommended for all
▢ Signs welcome; attach to backpack, rack or basket
▢ Hands-free photo/videography is best
▢ Signal all turns & stops
▢ If leaving mid-ride, announce your departure to those around you
▢ Ride sober
Mike will be participating in the ride. I will likely be holding down the fort here at the shop. You can find the route map here on Komoot but here's a screenshot so you have all the information in one go and you can move on from there:
📣 Critical Mass 2026
🗓️ Saturday, October 17
🕒 Meet 2:30, ride out 3 p.m.
📍 Gibbons Park (entrance: 29 Victoria St.) This is the parking lot by the Montessori.
Need the route? 🗺️
- Check the link in @ldncyclelink bio or DM them or us.
Able to ride marshal for your community? 🦺
- DM London Cycle Link.
If you can help them in any way, I'm sure they'd appreciate hearing from you. Or let us know.
While I have you, we will be closed on the 20th. Something longstanding is coming to a head on the 20th and we need to be there. We will be back at 8 am on the 21st.
Have a wonderful weekend, whatever you choose to do.
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