Critical Mass is free, but Houston police may begin charging riders for escort

Houston police are considering a plan to charge the Critical Mass bicycle group as safety concerns draw officers away from their regular duties.

The event, which sees thousands of riders take to the streets on the last Friday of every month, has operated in cities across the world for over 20 years. At times it has become a real Drivers vs. Cyclists war, with violence erupting at rides in both Seattle and San Francisco.

Just this past Friday, a disgruntled driver shot video that shows riders racing through the red light at a major intersection in the Heights.

Critical Mass leaders have been working closely with the police to ensure road safety since October. Four officers in two police cars help riders through intersections, with officers driving ahead and behind to clear the path.

Houston police say they are now exploring the possibility of riders footing the bill for those services, as happens now for big funeral processions and for some busy valet parking..

The Houston Police Department said in a statement Thursday that while they continue to work to ensure the safety of motorists and cyclists, "it should be noted that such events do divert police resources from regularly assigned responsibilities. We hope to find a mechanism to ensure that such costs are borne by those generating the workload."

It's a cost that could run to several hundred dollars, with police officers charging around $35 an hour for off-duty services.



less Hundreds of bicyclists amassed in Market Square for a Critical Mass around 7pm, Friday, July 26, 2013, in Houston. They gather monthly to ride through the streets of Houston. They have called for drivers to support them after the latest complaint about them running red lights. Hundreds of bicyclists amassed in Market Square for a Critical Mass around 7pm, Friday, July 26, 2013, in Houston. They gather monthly to ride through the streets of Houston. They have called for drivers to ... more Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 21 Caption Close Critical Mass is free, but Houston police may begin charging riders for escort 1 / 21 Back to Gallery

A Critical Mass spokesman said he doesn't know what would happen to the controversial ride if riders were made to pay.

"Even though we're a large group, it's a free event, it can be a challenge to get people to contribute," said spokesman Hector Garcia.

Garcia also questions how fair the policy would be if it were to go ahead.

"We do pay our taxes also, is it too much to ask that the city continue to do this?" Garcia said.

Garcia said the group will be looking to other cities for a precedent on the issue.

Following the recent video of riders running a red light, the group called for more public support.

"If the people who were complaining would just sit back and look at the faces of the people who were riding, they would see how much fun they were having," Garcia said.

Garcia goes on to say that it's not just a "bunch of punks" as they have been described in some places, "there are doctors and lawyers, families with their kids, they have smiles on their faces. Drivers should join in."