Critical Mass in Chicago

my friend sara (and interwoven threads advocate extraordinaire) just shot me a link to a Chicago Tribune story on the city's famous (and huge!) critical mass. check it out. i'm a big believer in critical mass-type events within the cycling community. they help underscore a number of issues: car/bike safety, environmentalism, getting off the grid, fitness. but they also serve to energize a base and recruit new enthusiasts with the hope of converting drivers into pedalers (is that a word?).

one thing that caught my attention in the article is the questioning of participants dedication to the mission and meaning of critical mass events. "are you real?" do you come out and ride a mass or do you commute to work/school/jump on your bike when you run errands? i personally don't have any problem with people participating who may not live that vision daily - the more the better here. and some people are unable to bike to work, etc. because of distance/terrain/inability to show up sweaty for meetings.

this brings up a larger question: how many causes or issues are you involved in in theory, but not in practice?

it's cliche, but take action. however small your first step. ride a critical mass and then aim to cut a car trip a week via bike. watch the 11th hour, but then set up your home recycling system. you get the point.