“We can’t just sit back and have no one step up,” said Hector Garcia, who has ridden in the event since 2005 and manages the group’s online presence. “Everyone is learning. Every group ride faces challenges.”

Estimates of the typical number of Critical Mass riders in Houston range from 1,000 to 2,000. Though the Houston group has been active for more than eight years, city police haven\’t issued tickets or taken steps to assist the riders.

“We are aware of the Critical Mass group,” Houston Police Department spokesman Victor Senties said. “We do encourage its members to express their First Amendment rights. We do want them to understand they have to (respect) the rights of others” by obeying traffic laws.

via Critical Mass reaching a tipping point – Houston Chronicle.