Los Angeles is a city of extremes — 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‑health crisis unfolding on our streets.

Yet once a month, something shifts. Thousands of cyclists come together and create a moment of clarity in the middle of the chaos — 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.

MESSAGE FROM LISA, PRESIDENT OF LA CRITICAL MASS

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 — 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.

Our city is hurting.
Every day, we see the impact of untreated mental‑health conditions across Los Angeles — 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‑health challenges without access to consistent care. We see people struggling in isolation, disconnected from family, community, and support systems. These are not distant issues — they are visible, human, and unfolding right in front of us.

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

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.

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 — a reset from the pressures of life, a break from isolation, and a reminder that we belong to something bigger than ourselves.

Mental‑health 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 — 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’m grateful to share them with you.

With love and momentum,

President & CEO,
Lisa Lundie
Los Angeles Critical Mass

A Look Back at April’s DJ Battlecats Birthday Celebration and Celebrity Ride

Last month’s 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.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our law enforcement partners. LAPD officers who participated in the ride 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, whose escort team ensured a smooth and secure transition for the thousands of participants traveling from Beverly Hills into West Hollywood.

A special thank‑you goes to DJ Battlecat and his full entourage of musical associates and artists, 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.

We also want to recognize TK, his daughter, and her mother, 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 “party on wheels.”

Finally, we extend our gratitude to our sitcom celebrity guest, 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.

We also want to give a special shoutout to The Grind, a well‑known 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 — you are deeply appreciated.

From our volunteers and security partners to our artists, guests, and community leaders, April’s ride was a powerful reminder of what happens when Los Angeles shows up together.

May Route Announcement

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‑ride 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.

The climb from Chinatown to Pasadena is a continuous ascent with no recovery sections, and the route includes multiple segments that pass through major transit corridors, 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 before we can safely guide thousands of cyclists through it.

We also want to extend our appreciation to the City of Pasadena, the Pasadena Police Department, and Day One, 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 — and we will keep everyone updated as planning progresses.

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

We are truly looking forward to meeting everyone — especially as we finalize plans for the launch of our new CM Magazine, 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.

For this month, we have an exciting alternative route — one we have never done before. It’s fun, engaging, and offers a brand‑new experience for our community. The full route will cover approximately 26–28 miles, 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, creating a fast, smooth, and incredibly fun finish to the night.

Fun, fun, fun.

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, LA Critical Mass is proud to highlight the essential connection between cycling and emotional well‑being.

Cycling is more than a physical activity — it is one of the most accessible and effective tools for supporting mental health. Research consistently shows that regular cycling can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve mood through endorphins and serotonin
• Enhance cognitive function
• Support long‑term emotional resilience
• Strengthen social connection, a major protective factor against burnout and isolation

For many in our community, the monthly ride is more than a tradition — it is a grounding ritual. It provides a sense of belonging, a break from daily pressures, and a rare opportunity to move through the city surrounded by thousands of people who share the same energy, purpose, and joy.

Cycling also creates space for emotional reset. The rhythm of pedaling, the open air, the movement of the group, and the shared experience of navigating the city together all contribute to a powerful sense of release and renewal.

This month, we encourage all cyclists to prioritize their mental health, embrace the restorative nature of movement, and continue fostering the supportive environment that defines LA Critical Mass.

A Farewell to KHS Bicycles

We also acknowledge a significant moment in the cycling industry: KHS Bicycles is officially closing its doors following the retirement of its owners, Wen and Susan. Their decades of leadership shaped national champions, advanced competitive cycling, and influenced generations of athletes.

KHS has been deeply connected to the story of LA Critical Mass. Jojo was the one who brought KHS into our community, introducing the brand to our cyclists and helping establish the foundation for what would become our upcoming race teams. From KHS Elevate to KHS Pro MTB, the organization produced some of the top names in the racing world, and their legacy will continue to influence CM Racing and the broader cycling community.

We also want to recognize Logan Binggeli, whose leadership in race‑bike design, technology, and athlete development helped shape the modern era of KHS. His influence strengthened the culture and innovation that defined the organization for years.

Leadership Spotlight: Logan Binggeli

We are honored to have Logan serve as our Chairman of the Board at LA Critical Mass. His expertise in the biking industry — from design and technology to race‑bike innovation — brings tremendous value to our organization. His executive leadership and strategic insight help guide our long‑term vision and strengthen our future.

We have an upcoming board meeting with exciting plans for our summer rides, and we look forward to sharing those updates with the community soon.

Endurance Rhythm Century Ride Update

We also want to provide an important update regarding our upcoming Endurance Rhythm Century Ride on June 6th. Although our original plan was to ride from Long Beach to San Diego, a permanent trail closure along a key section of the route required us to make last‑minute adjustments. After careful evaluation, we have finalized a new route: a 98–100 mile loop from Long Beach to Dana Point and back. This updated route maintains the endurance challenge, the coastal beauty, and the full experience we envisioned — while ensuring safety and accessibility for all participants.

As part of this event, LA Critical Mass will be providing both lunch and dinner, fully funded out of pocket. However, in order for us to prepare food accurately and responsibly, you must register to receive meals. If you ride but do not register, we will not have the capacity to feed you. Registration ensures we can plan appropriately and provide a smooth, well‑supported experience for everyone. This plan is now finalized — so if you want access to food, drinks, water, and on‑route support, you must be registered. No registration, no food or drink to stay hydrated. No exceptions. Registration will be closing soon, so now is the time to sign up.

Organizational Update

As part of our continued growth and evolution, we want to share that LA Critical Mass is no longer sponsored by or endorsing “The Amigo.” We have chosen to move forward independently and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

In addition, we are in active conversations with several nonprofits across Los Angeles County who share our commitment to advocacy, mobility justice, and safer streets. These discussions include exploring joint campaigns, shared resources, collaborative policy efforts, and long‑term coalition building.

We also want to be transparent with our community: LA Critical Mass is entirely self‑funded. We receive no outside funding, no grants, no corporate sponsorships, and no institutional support. Every ride, every supply, every support vehicle, every meal — including the upcoming Century Ride — is funded personally by me and Jojo. While we occasionally receive donations averaging around $150, it barely scratches the surface of what it actually takes to keep these rides safe, supported, and free for everyone.

To keep this movement strong, we’re asking for something simple: a donation equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee.

If every cyclist contributed even a small amount, it would make a tremendous difference in sustaining our rides, supporting our volunteers, and expanding the programs and experiences we’re building for the community. Please consider donating today.

CLOSING NOTE

Thank you for your continued commitment to Los Angeles Critical Mass. Whether you join us for the rides, volunteer behind the scenes, or support our mission in other ways, you are part of a movement that continues to grow, inspire, and uplift the city.

We look forward to seeing you at this month’s ride.

With love, strength, and solidarity,

Lisa Lundie
President & CEO
Los Angeles Critical Mass