{"id":9007,"date":"2026-06-30T03:09:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T03:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/la-criticalmass.org\/?p=9007"},"modified":"2026-07-03T10:34:03","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T10:34:03","slug":"this-is-critical-mass-may-june-2026-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/la-criticalmass.org\/this-is-critical-mass-may-june-2026-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"This is Critical Mass: May – June 2026 Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In recent weeks, we\u2019ve been reminded that not everyone understands or embraces what this movement represents. There have been moments of negativity \u2014 comments, distractions, and attempts to pull focus from the purpose of our ride. Yet even with that, the heart of this community hasn\u2019t wavered.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

And when the mass rolls out, that noise fades into the background. What rises instead is the sound of thousands of wheels cutting through the city, the glow of bike lights stretching block after block, and the undeniable rhythm of a community moving as one. Every ride is proof that we are bigger than the hate, stronger than the obstacles, and destined to keep pushing forward. The streets themselves become our stage, and together we write a story of resilience that cannot be silenced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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MESSAGE FROM LISA \u2014 OUR EVOLUTION, OUR PURPOSE, AND WHY HATE ISN\u2019T THE ANSWER<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Dear LA Critical Mass Community,

Critical Mass began as a grassroots ride \u2014 a simple idea that grew because people showed up. But as the movement expanded, so did the responsibility. Thousands of cyclists moving through Los Angeles every month isn\u2019t just a gathering; it\u2019s a community with real needs, real visibility, and real impact.

That\u2019s why Critical Mass evolved into a legitimate nonprofit.
Not to become political, not to take sides, and not to change who we are \u2014 but to protect what we\u2019ve built. Becoming a nonprofit gives us structure, accountability, and the ability to advocate for cyclists in a way cities, agencies, and statewide partners can recognize.

And let me be clear: we are not a political organization.<\/strong> We don\u2019t endorse candidates. We don\u2019t take political positions. We advocate for safer streets<\/strong>, cycling access<\/strong>, and the right for people to move through their city without fear<\/strong>. That\u2019s our mission. That\u2019s our lane. That\u2019s our purpose.

Our advocacy is real, measurable, and grounded in action:

1. We have submitted hundreds of signatures<\/strong> in support of statewide bicycle legislation, including AB initiatives that directly impact cyclist safety.

2. We are actively involved at the statewide level, working alongside the leading statewide cycling organization and serving within their Policy Advisory Council, helping shape cycling priorities across California.

3. We regularly meet with city council members<\/strong> across Los Angeles, participating in discussions, planning sessions, and future collaborations focused on safer infrastructure and community visibility.

4. We partner with other nonprofit organizations and events across the city<\/strong>, strengthening community ties and expanding our reach beyond cycling alone.

5. We recently participated in a free dog vaccination event<\/strong>, supporting families and pet owners \u2014 and we hope to bring similar services to cyclists who are dog owners and lovers in the near future.

6. We are now hosting additional cycling events<\/strong> outside of our flagship last\u2011Friday ride, including Century rides<\/strong> and soon long\u2011distance mountain rides<\/strong> designed for endurance cyclists.

7. We are in active discussions with bike shops to create opportunities for future registered participants to ride free demo mountain bikes during our mountain events, or to access low\u2011cost rentals \u2014 priced at a fraction of a standard rental.

And to all the bike clubs and cycling crews<\/strong> who ride with us faithfully \u2014 month after month, year after year \u2014 we want to say thank you<\/strong>. Your consistency, your energy, your leadership, and your presence help shape the identity of Critical Mass. You are part of the backbone of this movement, and we appreciate every mile you ride with us.

As we\u2019ve grown, we\u2019ve also faced moments of negativity \u2014 attempts to undermine our work, misrepresent our intentions, or provoke conflict. Some actions have been disrespectful, even extreme, but they only highlight why our evolution matters. They remind us that visibility comes with challenges, and leadership requires maturity.

And here\u2019s the truth:
hate isn\u2019t the answer.<\/strong>
Not for us.
Not for anyone trying to build something real.

Hate doesn\u2019t create safer streets.
Hate doesn\u2019t build community.
Hate doesn\u2019t move Los Angeles forward.

LA Critical Mass chooses a different path.
We choose advocacy over conflict.
We choose unity over division.
We choose to keep building instead of reacting to negativity.

Our movement is bigger than the noise. It\u2019s bigger than the attempts to tear us down. It\u2019s bigger than any moment of disrespect. We\u2019re here to advocate for cyclists \u2014 all cyclists \u2014 and to make Los Angeles safer for everyone who rides.

Critical Mass became a nonprofit because our community deserved stability.
Critical Mass rejects hate because unity is stronger than division.
Critical Mass continues because thousands of cyclists choose connection over conflict every single month.

We\u2019re here to move with purpose \u2014 and we\u2019re not stopping.

With love and momentum,

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

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MAY 2026 RIDE RECAP: OUR FIRST GLENDALE RIDE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

May\u2019s 2026 ride was nothing short of historic<\/u><\/a>. From the moment we launched at Western & Wilshire, the energy was undeniable. We watched as thousands of cyclists filled the streets, climbing out of Koreatown and pushing toward East Hollywood. By the time we reached Los Feliz, the sight was breathtaking \u2014 a continuous stream of cyclists stretching block after block, moving together with purpose and unity. It was a powerful reminder of how far this movement has come and how strong our community truly is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our regroup at North Atwater Park<\/u><\/a> gave everyone a chance to reset before the big push into Glendale. The transition into the city was electric. Glendale was ready for us, and their police department provided a full escort that allowed the mass to move safely and confidently. Turning onto Central Avenue and then onto Brand Boulevard was unforgettable. Downtown Glendale<\/u><\/a> came alive as restaurants, storefronts, and sidewalks filled with people cheering, recording, and celebrating the moment. Seeing our cyclists take over such an iconic corridor with full visibility was a milestone for all of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The toughest climb of the night came as we left Glendale and pushed up Silver Lake Boulevard. It was a challenge, but we saw determination in every cyclist as we made the ascent. At the top, the cool night air and sweeping views rewarded the effort, and the descent back toward HQ felt like pure momentum \u2014 fast, smooth, and exhilarating. It was the perfect closing chapter to a night defined by endurance and unity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This ride wasn\u2019t just another route. It was a first. It was a statement. It was thousands of cyclists showing what community looks like when we move together. To all the bike clubs and crews who ride faithfully with us month after month, thank you. Your consistency and presence help define Critical Mass. Glendale welcomed us, Los Angeles showed up, and together we created a moment that will stay with us for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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JUNE 2026 RIDE RECAP \u2014 SUMMER RIDE SERIES BEGINS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

June\u2019s ride marked the official launch of our Summer Ride Series<\/strong>, and the energy was unmatched. Thousands of cyclists left Koreatown from Wilshire Boulevard, rolling west toward La Brea before opening into Culver City. The streets filled with movement, music, and light as the Remix Mobile Stage<\/strong> carried three DJs spinning live sets, transforming the ride into a rolling festival. This month\u2019s ride wasn\u2019t just about distance \u2014 it was about celebration, connection, and the start of something bigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our first highlight came in Culver City<\/strong>, where the mass gathered at Veterans Memorial Park on Culver Boulevard. Here, we were joined by Taco Tuesday DJ Vicious Lee<\/strong>, adding his signature sound to the night, and the iconic Soul Train<\/strong>, whose energy and rhythm elevated the atmosphere even further. The combination of live DJs, community crews, and thousands of cyclists created a moment that felt both historic and joyful \u2014 a true kickoff to the summer season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Culver City, the ride pushed west toward Marina del Rey<\/strong>, where the Los Angeles Sheriffs made it possible for us to gather safely at Dock 52<\/strong> for our main break. Their support, alongside the escort provided by Culver City PD<\/strong>, ensured that the ride remained unified, secure, and visible throughout the night. The break at Dock 52 gave cyclists a chance to recharge, connect, and take in the coastal air before the final stretch home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This month\u2019s ride was more than a route \u2014 it was a statement of what Critical Mass can be when music, community, and advocacy come together. With thousands riding, DJs spinning, and crews joining forces, we showed once again that Los Angeles is strongest when we move together. Thank you to Culver City PD<\/u><\/a><\/strong>, the Los Angeles Sheriffs<\/u><\/a><\/strong>, the Remix Mobile Stage, our DJs, the Soul Trains and every cyclist who made this night possible.

The Summer Ride Series has begun, and June set the tone for an unforgettable season ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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