Critical Mass Ride Takes To The Streets Of Bemidji
Occupy Wall Street Rally Greets Critical Mass Riders
During the past few months, all across America, there have been many people standing up in the things that they believe in. Many rallies and protests have been organized in hoping that what they have to say will be heard. Many people fight for different ideas or beliefs, but everyone has reasons to participate. One of the ways that diverse cultures gather together to show others what they are fighting for is Critical Mass.
Critical Mass is a gathering of people who congregate at one location and ride their bicycles around town to let motorists know that the road is not just theirs. It’s unstructured and unorganized. Having one person on the shoulder of the road riding to work or even for exercise does not prove that point, but by having a dozen to hundreds of people biking, gives them the power of the road and shows that drivers need to be more aware.
At noon this Saturday there will be a Critical Mass gathering at Paul and Babe, in Bemidji. BSU Art student Luke Holden is making posters for this rally and event “This is something that we have a passion for,” he said. Who would ever want to stand in the way of someone’s passions?” This group will be led by no one but followed by everyone participating. Leaving the waterfront they will travel north on Paul Bunyan Drive, When they reach Target at the other end of town they will head back to the waterfront making their way back by the Middle School and then downtown Bemidji. Being that there is no leader this route may change, anyone in the front of the group could make a turn here or there. The point is to raise awareness that the road/highway is not just for vehicles.
Luke Holden explains, “There are so many reasons that people can be riding for, the list is endless. Believing that pollution is making our planet change and ultimately killing us, to not being able to drive a car due to, to many DUI’s.” Having people that love to be outdoors and not being able to enjoy their afternoon bike ride or late evening exercise is what they want to make aware to everyone. There are ads on the TV about watching out for motorcyclists, but nowhere does it say anything about bicyclists. This is the people making it known to the others that they need to watch out for them, have a little respect. “I have been to Portland, OR for a Critical Mass and there were almost 400 participants,” Mr. Holden said. “We need to make sure that the people know the real reason why we are doing this. It’s not to protest with vulgarity and hate, it’s to show them that we care and we want to have just the same rights as they do.”
Arriving back at Paul and Babe they will ride into the Occupy Wall Street Rally greeted by protestors and participants. This rally is going to help emphasis celebrating bike culture, along with many other topics. There is no structure to this event either but there is a timeline from approximately 1-4 p.m.
Occupy Wall Street is being protested all across America. http://occupywallst.org has many other protests that are being held as we speak; Occupy Baltimore, Occupy Chicago, Stop Stop & Frisk in NYC, Occupy Columbus Circle and many more. Although we are the wealthiest nation in the world, there are still reasons that people need to stand up for what they believe in.
Critical Mass Bike Ride, Saturday October 29th, Noon
Occupy Wall Street Rally, Saturday October 29th, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
