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Cars Stop, Bikes Go During Miami's Critical Mass Event

On Friday night, thousands of cyclists gathered for this month’s Critical Mass event in Miami.

Bicyclists and, to some extent skateboarders, inline skaters, roller skaters and other self-propelled commuters took to the streets en masse.

They cycled through the streets like a swarm of ants, all huddled together and in large numbers. As they rode at a steady 12 mph, drivers found themselves trapped in their cars, unable to move.

One was Omar Toledo, who was stuck on Coral Way and 22 avenue.

"I am kind of overwhelmed by all the bikes that are going through, but you know it’s something neat I guess. it’s raining and I’ve been stuck here for the past 18 minutes and just bikes going along and I don’t know why," said Toledo.

Credit Daylien Casas
A long wait at Flagler Street and 18th Avenue caused some drivers to get out of their cars.

Hugo Moreno was among several concerned drivers especially after it started pouring rain half-way through the event.

" I think it’s great to see the community coming together, but the inconvenience that it’s causing to the drivers... there has to be some middle way," said Moreno.

Cyclists like Juan Bermudez however see Critical Mass as a fun way to spend time with family. He and his 4-year-old son Martin got soaked but had a great time.

Credit Daylien Casas
Cyclist Juan Bermudez and his four-year-old son Martin Bermudez.

Many drivers, on the other hand, did not.

Loyda Peña was not expecting to run into such heavy traffic and did not know about the event. As a result, she was late for work.

"I have to go to work now and I am very late. I didn’t know this was going to be today. If I knew I wouldn't have taken this street. I’ve already been waiting for 20 minutes.

"You think this will take long?" said Peña in Spanish.

The next Critical Mass event is on Friday, August 30th.

Bikers – and drivers -- are urged to check media and Critical Mass websites to find out which streets to avoid.

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