We Are a Critical Mass. Let's Flex.

Return of the 613 Update, now just the 613

People power can win

Hello to all former readers of the 613 Update.

And welcome to new readers. Many of you are here via the Critical Mass bike rides.

I’m back writing about building a better Ottawa. The 613 Update is now just the 613.

I’m back for a simple reason: people power can win in Ottawa — like never before.

We can win if we get organized. And if we help people act with impact.

And that’s what I hope to be part of here. I’m organizing around how we fight and win a better Ottawa.

Public spaces fit for a capital. Choice in transportation. Real climate action. Housing we can afford. Compassion for those with less.

People power defeated Doug Ford’s greenbelt giveaway. People power can win in Ottawa.

Critical mass from Ottawa to Gatineau

Hundreds of people on bikes on rue Eddy in Gatineau

This past weekend, on a brisk October morning, there was an amazing turnout of people who care about safe streets.

Critical mass rides are one way that we start to flex our muscles. Show that we want real choice in how we move about the city.

Expect more from Critical Mass in 2024.

Expect to see the energy of the crowd turned into concrete pressure for specific projects. (Queen Elizabeth Driveway active use from Laurier to Preston, anyone?)

Expect to see the bike community in Gatineau start their own balades en vélo mass critique. And the Ottawa and Gatineau rides to combine and form a Super Mass ride every few months.

Maybe even a Critical Mass winter ride.

Fix Your City

If you think this newsletter speaks to you, I do have another one that I co-write with Catherine McKenney.

Fix Your City is focused on common sense solutions for better cities.

Housing and homeless; transit and active transportation; climate; municipal governance and accountability.

It’s not just about Ottawa, but what cities across the country and beyond could do better.

We hope you will have a look.