Peace permeates Critical Mass ride

David Joles, Star Tribune

A bicylist sporting dreadlocks had a virtual police escort while riding with a group called Critical Mass that make a monthly bike tour.

Last update: August 29, 2008 - 11:10 PM

There was peace on the pedals during the highly anticipated Critical Mass bike ride across the Twin Cities Friday evening.

No arrests were reported as about 500 bicyclists rode with an unexpected smaller turnout and heavier police presence -- including helicopters.

During the two-plus hour trek, Minneapolis and St. Paul police monitored what some thought could lead to confrontations similar to when 19 people were arrested during a ride last Aug. 31.

On Friday, however, about 150 cyclists safely rode to the Xcel Energy Center, site of the Republican National Convention that will start Monday. "See? We're not the enemy here," frequent rider John Nowicki said later.

TERRY COLLINS

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