There was a mixture of pleasure and anguish in downtown Seattle and the Capitol Hill, Eastlake, and the University districts last Friday as over 50 bicyclists took to the roads en masse chanting "Ride a bike" and "Don't drive cars." Left in their wake were a myriad of cars delayed during their commute home.

This uncoordinated convergence of bicyclists is known as Critical Mass. The goal of the cyclists was, according to their literature, to "promote the visibility and viability of non-motorized transportation."

The bicyclists casually rode on one half of the road in a group, thus not permitting motorists to journey at their normal speed. In addition to making a visible display, the bicyclists sought to educate the public of the need to reduce pollution. They passed out flyers and spoke with motorists, encourging them to convert to alternative transportation.

"It's a way to gather in solidarity with other bicyclists and take back the streets," said Nic Warmenhoven, a local schoolteacher and participant. "Too often cyclists are seen as a fringe group because they are such a small percentage of commuters. Their needs should be given proper consideration."

The mass of bodies and wheels began their journey at Westlake Center and continued riding around the downtown vicinity, through Eastlake and finally to the University District.

In addition to blocking the road by riding their bikes, Critical Mass bicylists blocked traffic on Denny Way and the University Bridge.

The "occurance" on Denny Way began when one cyclist fell down coughing, feigning the aftereffects of breathing too much car exhuast. Soon thereafter, the entire group of bicyclists were on the pavement "wheezing" from the car fumes as motorists stopped in bewilderment.

The blocking of the University Bridge occurred immediatly after the bridge was raised to allow a boat through. Seeing that cars on both sides were stopped, the bicyclists were emboldened to block both sides of the bridge as they slowly peddled across.

Motorists delayed by the bike riders appeared significantly less angry than during last month's ride. Some drivers even cheered and honked their horns as the bicyclists passed by.

While relatively understanding, many drivers wished they were not the ones who were delayed as they drove home. "Why now?" remarked one motorist. "I really wished they'd pick a different time to do this."

On two occasions, however, a disgruntled motorist vented their anger, surging ahead of the pack of bicyclists by driving on the wrong side of the road. In response, the bicyclists sped up to surround and delay the car at the next intersection.

Critical Mass occurs once a month in numerous cities across the United States, Europe and Australia. "It's a real thrill to ride with this group," said Cynthia Brok. "I've previously ridden in a San Francisco [Critical Mass]. It's an event everyone knows is going on."

Critical Mass has existed in Seattle periodically over the past several years. The most recent incarnation began on Friday, Aug 30. A Critical Mass is planned to occur on the last Friday of every month.

"I expect the presence of this group will continue to increase so long as more and more people spread the word," said Colin Leath, a UW sophomore in pre-engineering. "Then it will be even easier to block the road."

The next Critical Mass will be at 5:30 pm on Oct. 25, beginning at Westlake Center.