Zero Tolerance, Full Accountability: A Message to Our Participants

When One Rider Hurts, We All Respond—Because Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Los Angeles Critical Mass has always been more than a bike ride. Since the mid-1990s, we’ve gathered under the city lights to celebrate movement, community, and visibility.

What began with pedal-powered bicycles has evolved with the times—welcoming e-bikes, Surrons, and new generations of riders. But with growth comes responsibility.

This September, we were reminded of that responsibility in a painful way. During the ride, a male participant on a surron bike struck a female rider with force.

We want to be clear: Los Angeles Critical Mass has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to alcohol consumption, weapons, and fighting. These behaviors do not belong in our movement and will not be tolerated. Our ride is built on joy, safety, and solidarity—not recklessness or harm.

We also continue to ask younger riders—especially those on Surrons, to respect the rules of the ride. Wheelies during Critical Mass are strictly prohibited. This endangers lives in masses of crowds tightly closed together. Motorized mini bikes are not allowed, and while we’ve seen some join after the official ride departs, we urge all participants to honor the spirit and safety of the event.

And to the men in our community: we must protect and look out for our women and children. That means stepping up, speaking out, and ensuring that every rider feels safe and supported. Our movement is built on care—and that care must be visible, active, and unwavering.

We know the energy is high. We know the streets feel alive. But we must protect each other. Every rider deserves to feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

To our longtime pedal-powered community: thank you for holding the line. To our newer riders: we welcome you—but only if you ride with respect.

Let’s keep Los Angeles Critical Mass what it’s always been: a movement rooted in dignity, joy, and care.

Read our ride rules here. Read our liability waiver here.

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Jojo Valdez
Jojo Valdez
Executive Vice President of LA Critical Mass, Principal full‑stack coder, and mountain biker — JoJo supports nearly every aspect of the movement’s operations and digital infrastructure.

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