The May 2026 LA Critical Mass ride brought together thousands of cyclists for one of the most significant nights in our movement’s history.

As Lisa addressed the crowd at Western and Wilshire — joined by volunteers, sponsors, and our loyal friends the Litriderz who ride with us every month — the intersection filled with energy. A large bike club from Las Vegas arrived with dozens of cyclists, while riders from London Critical Mass, New York Critical Mass, and Texas Critical Mass came to connect, enjoy our ride, and experience firsthand how we lead the largest community bicycle ride in the United States. With daylight still stretching across Koreatown, the mass rolled out toward a route that would take us into Glendale for the first time in LA Critical Mass history.

Chargel Fuels the Start of Every Ride

Before every LA Critical Mass ride begins, our VP Jojo visits the corner of Western & Wilshire, greeting cyclists as they arrive and handing out Chargel energy gel sample packs. It has become a signature part of the LA Critical Mass experience — a moment where cyclists gather, chat, and fuel up before rolling out.

Chargel’s non‑caffeine, carb‑loaded gel packs give cyclists a clean, steady boost without the crash, making them a favorite among both new riders and long‑time participants. Jojo doesn’t just hand them out at the start — he also passes them out again at our main break, making sure anyone who wants that extra push has it. The bright fruit flavors, the easy sip‑and‑go design, and the energy they provide have become part of the rhythm of the ride.

Rolling Out Through Koreatown in Daylight

The mass rolled out from Western & Wilshire while it was still bright outside. The early‑evening sun lit up Koreatown’s neon signs, historic theaters, and mid‑century storefronts as thousands of cyclists filled Western Avenue in a solid wave of movement.

We headed north on Western, then made a right onto 6th Street, officially beginning the night’s carefully engineered route.

Navigating the Koreatown Grid: A Route Designed for Safety

To keep thousands safe from Friday evening traffic, the route moved through Koreatown’s quieter residential streets — a network lined with 1920s courtyard apartments, historic churches, and long‑standing neighborhood businesses.

From 6th Street, the mass made a quick left onto Serrano Avenue, then continued to 3rd Street, where we turned right. The ride then flowed into a left on Hobart Boulevard, followed by a right on 2nd Street.

We continued with a left onto Kingsley Drive, taking us to Beverly Boulevard, one of LA’s oldest east‑west arteries. From there, we turned left onto North Heliotrope Drive, entering the edge of East Hollywood.

This entire sequence — Serrano, Hobart, Kingsley, Heliotrope — was chosen to minimize elevation, avoid major traffic corridors, and keep the mass protected. Even though the climb toward Los Feliz was inevitable, this route offered the safest and most efficient path north.

Passing Los Angeles City College: A Historic East Hollywood Landmark

As the mass moved up Heliotrope, we passed Los Angeles City College (LACC) — one of the most historically significant campuses in the city. Founded in 1929 on the former site of the original UCLA campus, LACC has served as a cultural and educational anchor for nearly a century. Its palm‑lined walkways, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and open quad have appeared in countless films, television shows, and music videos.

A Launchpad for Icons

LACC’s alumni list reads like a Hollywood Walk of Fame roster. Some of the most influential actors, musicians, and cultural figures in American history began their journeys here:

Actors & Performers

Morgan Freeman
Clint Eastwood
Mark Hamill
Alan Arkin
James Coburn
Burt Lancaster
Donna Reed
John Ritter
Robert Vaughn
Edward James Olmos

Musicians & Composers

Herb Alpert
Les McCann
Chet Baker (attended)
Charles Mingus (studied briefly)

Cultural Figures

Jerry Goldsmith – legendary film composer
Lawrence Klein – Nobel Prize–winning economist
Ray Bradbury – took extension courses

A Campus Built for a Growing City

LACC was created during a period of explosive growth in Los Angeles, designed to provide accessible higher education for working‑class families, new angelenos, and first‑generation students. Its proximity to Hollywood made it a natural home for aspiring performers, and its arts programs became some of the strongest in the region.

As the mass rolled past the campus, the contrast was striking: the quiet, historic academic grounds on one side — and a massive, glowing wave of cyclists on the other.

Hollywood Boulevard: Riding Through the Heart of LA’s Entertainment History

Reaching Hollywood Boulevard, the mass entered one of the most iconic streets in the world. The boulevard — home to the Walk of Fame, the Pantages Theatre, and countless historic landmarks — became a glowing backdrop as cyclists filled the roadway.

We made a left onto Hollywood Blvd, passing blocks that have defined global entertainment for over a century. Residents, visitors, and longtime locals stepped outside to record and cheer as the mass swept through the heart of Hollywood.

From there, we turned left onto Vermont Avenue, a major north‑south corridor lined with historic apartment buildings, old churches, and cultural institutions that reflect the rich, diverse history of East Hollywood and Los Feliz.

Franklin, Hillhurst, and the Climb Into Los Feliz

The mass continued north on Vermont to Franklin Avenue, where we turned left. Franklin is a historic street that runs along the base of the Hollywood Hills, offering views of early 20th‑century architecture and hillside estates.

From Franklin, we made a right onto Hillhurst Avenue, entering the heart of Los Feliz Village — a neighborhood known for its artistic community, historic storefronts, and proximity to Griffith Park.

As we climbed toward Los Feliz Boulevard, the daylight finally began to fade. By the time we approached the intersection near Riverside Drive, dusk had settled in, marking the transition from day to night.

The Los Feliz Boulevard Descent: A Much‑Needed Release

By the time we reached Los Feliz Boulevard, dusk had settled in and the climb from Koreatown through East Hollywood and Los Feliz was finally behind us. What followed was a major descent — a long, sweeping drop from Los Feliz Boulevard down toward Riverside Drive. It was a much‑needed release after miles of steady uphill riding. As thousands of cyclists picked up speed, the mass transformed into a glowing river of headlights and tail lights stretching across the boulevard.

A Historic First: LA Critical Mass Enters Atwater Village and Heads Toward Glendale

At the base of the descent, the mass made a left onto Brunswick Avenue, officially entering Atwater Village — a major milestone for the movement. This was the first time in LA Critical Mass history that the ride passed through Atwater Village, and it marked the beginning of an even bigger first: our first‑ever journey into the City of Glendale.

Residents stepped outside to record, wave, and cheer as thousands of cyclists flowed through their neighborhood for the first time ever.

From Brunswick, the mass continued to Chevy Chase Drive, where we made a left turn toward our first major regroup point.

Chevy Chase Drive to North Atwater Park: The First Main Break

We arrived at North Atwater Park, a green space nestled between the river and the foothills. After the long climb from Koreatown and the fast descent from Los Feliz, this break was perfectly timed. Thousands filled the park, resting under the cool night air and enjoying the open space.

As always, Jojo passed out Chargel gel packs here as well — giving cyclists a second chance to refuel before the historic Glendale stretch.

Crossing Into Glendale: A First‑Ever Milestone

Leaving North Atwater Park, the mass regrouped and prepared for the next historic moment. As we rolled out onto Chevy Chase Drive, the energy shifted — everyone knew we were approaching something LA Critical Mass had never done before.

When the mass crossed the city boundary and officially entered Glendale, thousands of cyclists erupted in cheers. Glendale Police Department was already staged and waiting for us, ready to guide the mass safely through the city.

From Chevy Chase, we made a left onto Central Avenue, where Glendale PD immediately began escorting us toward the Glendale Galleria.

A City With Deep Roots

Glendale is one of the oldest incorporated cities in Los Angeles County, officially founded in 1906. But its history stretches back to 1784, when the land was part of Rancho San Rafael, a massive Spanish land grant awarded to José María Verdugo.

The arrival of the Pacific Electric Railway in the early 1900s transformed Glendale from ranchland into a thriving suburban community. By the 1920s and 1930s, it had become known for its tree‑lined streets, hillside neighborhoods, and proximity to the Verdugo Mountains.

Today, Glendale stands as one of the region’s most vibrant and diverse cities — a blend of historic architecture, modern development, and strong civic pride.

Glendale Welcomes LA Critical Mass

Central Avenue was glowing with nightlife. As the mass moved north, hundreds of onlookers stepped out of restaurants, shops, and storefronts, taking pictures, recording, and cheering as thousands of cyclists flowed through Downtown Glendale.

Glendale PD continued escorting us all the way up Central, guiding the mass safely to the top of the avenue, just before the 134 freeway. There, we made a right turn, and then another right onto Brand Boulevard, where Glendale PD remained alongside us, still escorting the mass as we entered one of the busiest and most iconic corridors in the city.

Downtown Glendale at night is always vibrant — but on this night, it became a spectacle.

A Special Thank‑You to Glendale

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the City of Glendale for welcoming LA Critical Mass into their community for the very first time. And a special thank‑you to the Glendale Police Department for participating, supporting the ride, and providing a safe and professional escort through the city. Your partnership helped make this historic moment possible.

The Return Toward Los Angeles

After the long stretch through Glendale, the mass began its return journey. As we continued south, Brand Boulevard gradually turned into Glendale Boulevard, carrying the mass back toward Los Angeles.

We made a left onto Riverside Drive, following the curve of the LA River. Riverside Drive is one of LA’s oldest transportation corridors, once lined with equestrian stables and early ranch lands.

At the intersection beneath the old railroad bridge, we made a right onto Fletcher Drive, passing near the historic Red Car Viaduct site — once a major crossing point for the Pacific Electric streetcars.

From Fletcher, we made another right onto Silver Lake Boulevard, entering one of the most scenic and culturally rich neighborhoods in the city.

The Silver Lake Climb

The climb up Silver Lake Boulevard was no joke — a long, steady ascent that demanded real effort after miles of riding. And this wasn’t just any climb. This was the first time in LA Critical Mass history that we had ever taken Silver Lake Boulevard. A brand‑new milestone for the movement.

To the right, the shimmering water of the Silver Lake Reservoir reflected the city lights. Completed in 1907, the reservoir was built as part of Los Angeles’ early municipal water system and named after Herman Silver, a member of the city’s Water Board.

Originally constructed to store drinking water for a rapidly growing Los Angeles, the reservoir became both a functional utility and a defining landmark. Its surrounding hills attracted architects, artists, and early Hollywood creatives, giving rise to the eclectic mix of Spanish Revival, Mid‑Century Modern, and early Los Angeles bungalow homes that overlook the water today.

The cool breeze coming off the reservoir refreshed the mass, making the climb feel almost meditative.

The Final Descent Back to HQ

Once we reached the top of Silver Lake Boulevard, the hardest part was behind us. From there, it was all downhill — a smooth, flowing descent that carried the mass back toward the heart of the city.

Silver Lake Boulevard eventually turned into Beverly Boulevard, one of LA’s oldest commercial corridors. The mass continued west, passing historic storefronts and neighborhoods that have shaped the city for generations.

We then made a left onto Vermont Avenue, which carried us straight down to Wilshire Boulevard. At Wilshire, we made a right turn, heading back into Koreatown.

The mass rolled the final stretch toward Western & Wilshire, returning to our HQ where the night had begun — still glowing, still united, and still thousands strong.

A Night That Redefined LA Critical Mass

May 2026 will be remembered as one of the most important rides in LA Critical Mass history.

Thousands of cyclists rode together in unity.
We welcomed visiting cyclists from across the country and around the world.
We showcased how LA Critical Mass leads the largest community bicycle ride in the United States.
We entered Atwater Village for the first time.
We made history by riding into Glendale for the very first time.
And we conquered Silver Lake Boulevard for the first time in our movement’s history.

It was a night of community, visibility, and connection — a night that showed what is possible when thousands of people move together with purpose and respect.