Critical Mass Tonight: Here's How to Join the Ride, or Avoid It

In a town infamous for apathetic sports fans, Critical Mass is the exception. Almost no one is neutral when it comes to the monthly bike rides. You either love the last Friday of the month, or you hate it with the passion of a thousand burning South Florida suns. Whatever...

By Michael E. Miller

August 30, 2013

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In a town infamous for apathetic sports fans, Critical Mass is the exception. Almost no one is neutral when it comes to the monthly bike rides. You either love the last Friday of the month, or you hate it with the passion of a thousand burning South Florida suns.

Whatever your stance on the subject, you're better off knowing where and when the bike ride will take place. Click through for a map of tonight's Critical Mass.

Tonight's ride will begin, as usual, at 7:15 at Government Center.

Here is a map of the route, courtesy of The Miami Bike Scene. It's a 12.5-mile loop through Overtown, Wynwood, Liberty City, Allapattah, Little Havana, and downtown:

Critical Mass has been caught up in controversy this summer, with Miami cops and drivers complaining about the traffic delays it causes.

Meanwhile, cyclists have taken umbrage with a recent hit-and-run as well as the bogus arrest of a three-wheeled ice-cream vendor.

In light of Critical Mass' growing pains, organizers have tried to improve the event by placing flags on pacesetters and laying out ground rules.

So whether you're riding in the pack or passing by in your car, stay safe tonight.

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Michael E. Miller was a staff writer at Miami New Times for five years. His work for New Times won many national awards, including back-to-back-to-back Sigma Delta Chi medallions. He now covers local enterprise for the Washington Post.

Contact: Michael E. Miller