The first Critical Mass Mumbai rally got off to an upbeat start on Friday, January 28th. Approximately 25 bicyclists, mainly students, rallied South Mumbai’s commercial district for a little over an hour, spreading the powerful message of socially just and sustainable development.
The press covered the event as an anti-pollution rally. We are grateful for this exposure, but at the same time we would like to assert that for some of us, this was not the only reason we were on the streets. Sure we were on the streets to demand our right to clean air. But we were also on the street to ask why our city is splitting apart. Why a disproportionate amount of the state’s budget is spent on improving the infrastructure that will benefit a tiny fraction of the public while the rest of the population is ignored. Why development is measured by how much we spend and not how many’s needs are served.
Critical Mass intends to be a catalyst for different individuals and groups to network and build relationships based on common interests. It is a public meeting where most everybody can attend. It is a regular, yet enjoyable meeting that simultaneously sends a social message even as it happens
During the ride, individuals and groups are free to distribute information and literature on who they are and any support that they would need for upcoming initiatives. It puts groups and movements in contact with energetic, interested youth who are looking for creative and positive ways to make a difference. This will enable social and environmental groups to build their constituency (and maybe volunteer) base. The cycle ride gives people and groups the opportunity to collaborate with other groups that are fighting different symptoms of the same problem.
All in all, a monthly bicycle ride through the city is a decentralized yet coordinated action where no one is in charge and everyone is free to share their ideas, work and vision for a better future. Mumbaikars and MumBikers need this space to talk about alternatives to the destruction of our social and natural fabric. Lets make it happen! Since everyone does not have email access, please share this email with your friends and colleagues. If you want to know more about Critical Mass please let us know. The next Critical Mass takes place on Friday, February 25th at 5pm. We assemble outside the Nehru Planetarium
This is the first step towards building a fortnightly Critical Mass news posting. We would appreciate any ideas and suggestions.
Read about our second critical mass event, held at worli HERE.