{"id":8586,"date":"2026-05-12T06:30:22","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T06:30:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/la-criticalmass.org\/?p=8586"},"modified":"2026-05-26T07:13:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T07:13:26","slug":"this-is-critical-mass-april-2026-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/la-criticalmass.org\/this-is-critical-mass-april-2026-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"This is Critical Mass: April 2026 Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Los Angeles is a city of extremes \u2014 beauty and struggle, movement and stagnation, hope and hardship all living side by side. Every day, we witness the weight the city carries, from the pressures of daily life to the visible mental\u2011health crisis unfolding on our streets. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yet once a month, something shifts. Thousands of cyclists come together and create a moment of clarity in the middle of the chaos \u2014 a reminder that community still exists, that people still show up for one another, and that healing can begin with something as simple as moving forward together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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MESSAGE FROM LISA, PRESIDENT OF LA CRITICAL MASS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Dear LA Critical Mass Community,

Thank you for your continued support, your energy, and your commitment to showing up for one another month after month. Our movement continues to grow in ways that inspire me every single day \u2014 from the cyclists who join us for the first time, to the crews and clubs who bring their full spirit, to the volunteers and partners who help make each ride possible.

As we move through May, I want to speak honestly about something that affects every one of us in Los Angeles: mental health and emotional wellness<\/strong>.

Our city is hurting.
Every day, we see the impact of untreated mental\u2011health conditions across Los Angeles \u2014 in our neighborhoods, on our sidewalks, and throughout our transit corridors. We see our unhoused neighbors living in tents, many battling addiction, trauma, and severe mental\u2011health challenges without access to consistent care. We see people struggling in isolation, disconnected from family, community, and support systems. These are not distant issues \u2014 they are visible, human, and unfolding right in front of us.

Mental\u2011health wellness is not just needed \u2014 it is urgently necessary<\/strong> in the City of Los Angeles and beyond. No single organization can solve this crisis alone \u2014 it will take communities, movements, and individuals working together to rebuild connection, compassion, and stability in our city.<\/strong>

And for many people, cycling has become that lifeline.

Cycling gives us space to breathe. It gives us movement, sunlight, rhythm, and release. It reduces stress, lifts mood, and helps regulate the mind and body in ways that are scientifically proven and deeply felt. But beyond the physical benefits, cycling gives us something even more powerful: community<\/strong>.

When we ride together, we are not alone. We are surrounded by thousands of people who share the same streets, the same energy, and the same desire to feel connected. The ride becomes a moment of grounding \u2014 a reset from the pressures of life, a break from isolation, and a reminder that we belong to something bigger than ourselves.

Mental\u2011health wellness is not separate from what we do. It is part of our mission, our advocacy, and our culture. LA Critical Mass is not just a ride \u2014 it is a space where people can feel seen, supported, and uplifted. And in a city facing the challenges we see every day, that matters more than ever.

This month brings important updates, meaningful reflections, and exciting announcements, and I\u2019m grateful to share them with you.

With love and momentum,

President & CEO,<\/strong>
Lisa Lundie<\/strong>
Los Angeles Critical Mass<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Aprils<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Look Back at April\u2019s DJ Battlecats Birthday Celebration and Celebrity Ride<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Last month\u2019s Celebrity Ride was one of the most dynamic and memorable events we have ever hosted. With thousands of cyclists moving together through the city, the ride showcased the unity, visibility, and cultural impact of our community at a scale that continues to grow month after month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We extend our sincere appreciation to our law enforcement partners. LAPD officers who participated in the ride<\/strong> played an important role in maintaining safety and supporting the flow of the mass throughout the evening. We also thank the Beverly Hills Police Department<\/strong>, whose escort team ensured a smooth and secure transition for the thousands of participants traveling from Beverly Hills into West Hollywood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A special thank\u2011you goes to DJ Battlecat and his full entourage of musical associates and artists<\/strong>, who brought unmatched energy while dancing the night away aboard the Soul Trains. Their presence elevated the atmosphere and turned the evening into a true celebration of Los Angeles culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also want to recognize TK, his daughter, and her mother<\/strong>, who attended and helped drive both Soul Trains throughout the route. Their commitment, coordination, and spirit helped transform the ride into what many described as a \u201cparty on wheels.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, we extend our gratitude to our sitcom celebrity guest<\/strong>, who requested that their name not be publicly promoted but still chose to join us and enjoy the full ride from start to finish. Their participation added to the excitement of the evening, and we sincerely appreciate their support and presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also want to give a special shoutout to The Grind<\/strong>, a well\u2011known bike crew from the Metro Los Angeles area, who played a tremendous role in traffic control and in supporting the Soul Trains throughout the night. Your professionalism, coordination, and presence made a real impact \u2014 you are deeply appreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From our volunteers and security partners to our artists, guests, and community leaders, April\u2019s ride was a powerful reminder of what happens when Los Angeles shows up together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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May Route Announcement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although we had not publicly announced it, our internal goal for this month was to ride out to the City of Pasadena in recognition of Pasadena Bike Month. After conducting several pre\u2011ride route tests and evaluating the elevation profile, we ultimately determined that the timing and preparation window were too limited to execute this route safely and responsibly for a group of our size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The climb from Chinatown to Pasadena is a continuous ascent with no recovery sections<\/strong>, and the route includes multiple segments that pass through major transit corridors<\/strong>, requiring additional coordination and advance notice. Given the short timeline, we concluded that this route requires several months of promotion, training awareness, and community preparation<\/strong> before we can safely guide thousands of cyclists through it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We also want to extend our appreciation to the City of Pasadena<\/strong>, the Pasadena Police Department<\/strong>, and Day One<\/strong>, who are key partners in Pasadena Bike Month and have been in active communication with us throughout this process. Their collaboration and support reinforce our commitment to completing a Pasadena ride in the future \u2014 and we will keep everyone updated as planning progresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This month\u2019s ride will also be especially meaningful as we welcome visiting cyclists from across the country and around the world<\/strong>, including groups from Las Vegas, Texas, New York Critical Mass, a family group of 20 traveling from Idaho<\/strong>, and a Critical Mass delegation from Hawaii<\/strong> that we have been corresponding with. We are also honored to welcome the leaders from London Critical Mass<\/strong>, who have been in active discussions with Jojo as we continue strengthening international connections within the movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are truly looking forward to meeting everyone \u2014 especially as we finalize plans for the launch of our new CM Magazine<\/strong>, which will highlight the growth, culture, and global reach of the Critical Mass movement, along with the incredible work of our local bike clubs, crews, other local rides, and scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this month, we have an exciting alternative route \u2014 one we have never done before<\/strong>. It\u2019s fun, engaging, and offers a brand\u2011new experience for our community. The full route will cover approximately 26\u201328 miles<\/strong>, making it a solid and enjoyable distance for cyclists of all levels. And the best part: the majority of the return after the main break is downhill<\/strong>, creating a fast, smooth, and incredibly fun finish to the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun, fun, fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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May Is Mental Health Awareness Month<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, LA Critical Mass is proud to highlight the essential connection between cycling and emotional well\u2011being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cycling is more than a physical activity \u2014 it is one of the most accessible and effective tools for supporting mental health. Research consistently shows that regular cycling can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n