The ride leaves from the North Capitol Steps on the first Friday of each month after 5:30 PM.

BCLU holds a rally (usually informal) from 5 PM beforehand. The rally emphasizes the political aspect of the ride and also provides a safe space to gather. This practice began in September 2001, during months when police were targetting the ride illegally, and riders were changing start locations every month to avoid police abuses. BCLU had been involved prior to September as well. It is important to recognize that BCLU does not sponsor the ride, but is providing experience and skills developed protecting such demonstrations in other cities in order to hopefully prevent police from effectively killing the ride for at least the third time in Sacramento -- the California State's Capitol.

Highlights and links:

1. Police violence at "Ride for Peace," April 4, 2003. A young mother is violently arrested after witnesses say she merely asked a question. News and Review article. IMC photos, story and comments. The Sacramento Bee (Sacramento's major daily newspaper) published this story.

2. Eleven citations at Sacramento Critical Mass on March 7, 2003. Full story and photos. The preceding month, four citations were issued: two regarding bicycle lights and two for bicycles being "too tall." BCLU arranged for 20 lights to be available at wholesale cost to enable the demonstrators to participate. The first indication of renewed harassment came in January, when an excessive police presence again descended upon the ride, for the first time since October 2001. Reportedly police said the change was due to new leadership in the police department.

3. A public email discussion forum has been created, subscribe by sending email to sacramentomass-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

4. Sacramento Motorist attempts citizen's arrest of Critical Mass, December 6, 2002. Full story and photo.

5. A fabulous video showing the dynamic character of the Sacramento rides -- and the fun! -- is now online at the San Francisco Independent Media Center. The positive, exciting nature of the demonstration shines through whether the ride is large or small.

6. Another road rage incident occurred at the July 5, 2002 ride. Here is one witness statement. BCLU is working to obtain justice in this incident.

7. BCLU is suing the Sacramento Police Department for violating the rights of bicyclists participating in Critical Mass bicycle demonstrations. Press Conference was held June 4, 2002 at high noon in front of the Federal Courthouse in Sacramento following the filing of the suit. Press release.

8. Road rage at first anniversary ride, May 7, 2002. This illustrates exactly the type of everyday mistreatment that deserves protesting. A BCLU attorney is handling this case which involved three collisions resulting in two injuries and one destroyed bicycle. Press release. Watch video of new spot on Ch. 3, KCRA, which aired at 5 PM Wednesday May 8, 2002 (we have written asking that the title on the web pages not call this incident an "accident" as it was clearly an assault at the very least. Comments on SF Indymedia (as of May 8, 2002, Sacramento Indymedia newswire is not yet functional).

9. A general web page for Sacramento Critical Mass, covering the police abuses of September 7, 2001 and the special BCLU event surrounding it, as well as news stories.

   That page also links to the crosswalk action of September 7, 2001 protesting the police abuses. (Page 1 | Page 2).

10. Critical Mass is a worldwide movement. See also the Critical Mass Hub