In 1995, Los Angeles Critical Mass began as a loose, passionate group of cyclists reclaiming the streets with joy, defiance, and unity—riding for recognition, and for liberation.

There was no leadership. No structure. Just a chaotic, unruly swarm of misfits on wheels. We were known for our unpredictability, our noise, and our refusal to play by the rules. To some, we were a nuisance. To others, a revelation. But to us, we were a family—bound by the belief that every rider deserved space, safety, and freedom.

As the city evolved and time pressed forward, so did we—transforming chaos into clarity, and raw passion into lasting purpose. We realized that to protect what we’d built—and to grow beyond it—we needed to step into something greater. Not to lose our edge, but to sharpen it. We embraced leadership. We built structure. We created systems that could hold the soul of the movement without diluting it.

Nearly three decades later, as we approach 2026, Critical Mass has transformed into a professionally organized movement with deep cultural, social, and public health impact.

We are proud to share that Critical Mass is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This transformation wasn’t just structural—it was necessary. It’s strategic.

It amplifies our voice, earns respect, and opens doors to new opportunities for collaboration, outreach, and community care.

What This Means:

We’ve grown from a spontaneous ride to a movement with purpose, planning, and vision.
We’re integrating mental wellness, arts, and advocacy into every ride.
We’re pushing for safer streets and inclusive infrastructure across Los Angeles.
We remain rooted in authenticity, driven by community, and committed to resilience.

We also want to extend our deepest thanks to Jojo, whose tireless efforts are bringing sponsors to the table. His leadership is helping us build bridges—with businesses, with communities, and most importantly, with our riders.

These partnerships allow us to give back to our participants—whether through resources, support, or simply making every ride more vibrant and inclusive.

Despite our scale and impact, donations at our rides remain minimal. As of now, Jojo and I are personally funding the majority of Los Angeles Critical Mass. We do this out of love, commitment, and belief in the power of this movement—but we cannot do it alone.

The small donations we receive, along with the modest income from selling snacks, barely cover the basics. And yet, we stretch every dollar to pay our volunteers, ride marshals, and support vehicle crews—the people who make these rides safe, spirited, and possible. Their pay is based entirely on what we make each month. And truthfully, it’s not much. But it’s only fair that they’re compensated for their time, energy, and care. They show up for the community—so we show up for them.

We are now urgently seeking donations to help sustain and grow Critical Mass. Every contribution—large or small—helps us continue to serve our cycling communities, amplify our message, and keep the wheels turning.

Critical Mass is not a brand. It’s a living, breathing movement—built by the people, for the people. Our legitimacy doesn’t dilute our soul—it strengthens it.

This is a ride with purpose, power, and people at its core.

This is not just a ride. It’s a rising force—and it’s ready to grow.

— Lisa, President of Los Angeles Critical Mass