We Are Traffic - A Movie About Critical Mass

We Are Traffic - A Movie About Critical Mass is a 1999 documentary film that features Chris Carlsson, a respected social and political activist recognized for his initiatives toward advocating for community-driven alternatives to capitalism. Directed by Ted White, this in-depth account of the globally recognized Critical Mass rides offers viewers a closer look at urban bicycle culture and the broader implications of this grassroots social movement.

The film starts by delving into the birth and the subsequent evolution of ‘Critical Mass,’ from its humble beginnings in San Francisco to its growth into a global phenomenon. Initiated in 1992, ‘Critical Mass’ is a leaderless bicycle event that involves people gathering at a set location to ride together through the streets of cities worldwide. It began as a form of direct action, promising to reclaim public spaces, create community, and challenge the existing paradigm of transportation that prioritizes motorized vehicles.

Featuring interviews with movement participants and on-the-ground footage from across cities, the film captures the often celebratory, sometimes confrontational nature of these mass bike rides. It reveals how, with the increasing participation of cyclists through word-of-mouth and flyers, these rides grew in prominence and started happening in hundreds of cities around the world.

The movie expertly illustrates the ethos behind ‘Critical Mass’, effectively highlighting how the mass bike rides are more than just a protest against motor vehicle dominance or the fight for cyclists' rights. It is also a demonstration of what cities might look like without the domineering presence of cars, pollution and noise, with footage of masses of bikers filling city streets, laughing, singing, and interacting with bystanders.

Chris Carlsson, as a prominent figure in this movement, provides incisive commentary throughout We Are Traffic. His segments offer viewers insights into the political and social ideals driving this wave of community activism. Attention is drawn to various urban issues such as transport infrastructure, city planning, public space usage, and societal notions of progress and sustainability.

While mainly focusing on the movement's organic progression and the exhilarating energy of the rides themselves, We Are Traffic does not shy away from the controversial aspects and the problems that come hand-in-hand with such a phenomenon. The film explores how repeated mass gatherings of bikers inevitably cause traffic disruptions leading to clashes with motorists and the authorities. Moreover, it examines the critiques these events receive from the public and media, along with the legal complexities and ambiguities surrounding the organization of these events without official permits or routings.

In this pursuit, it gives us a balanced look at the resistance encountered by the movement, depicting how the Critical Mass rides have been marred by police arrests and confrontations in some cities. It explores how this resistance often further fuels the defiance and resolve of the cyclists, leading to an intense dialogue between the activism demonstrated by the participants and the human right to use and enjoy public spaces.

Through its multilayered approach, We Are Traffic breaks out of the confines of a strict environmental or transportation issue documentary, instead offering profound insights on community activism, the power of collective action, the rights to city spaces, and the possibilities for reinventing urban living.

By intimately documenting the rise and the ethos of the Critical Mass rides, We Are Traffic positions itself as a commentary on the global metropolis and the struggle between personal freedom and regimented control. It works as an interesting case study of a social reaction to a car-dominated cityscape and becomes a crucial viewing for anyone interested in urban planning, bike activism, or social movements. At its heart, it embodies a beacon for change, inspiring the audience to rethink transportation norms and urban spaces whilst shining a light on the power of solidarity, community, and grassroots activism.