We
Are Traffic! chronicles the history and development of the "Critical
Mass" bicycle movement, one of the most spirited
and dynamic social/political movements of the apathetic
90's. In over 200 cities in 14 different countries,
Critical Mass has now become a monthly ritual of reclaiming
the streets by bicycle activists riding en masse.

With
traffic congestion, pollution, and road rage on the rise,
growing numbers around the world are advocating for transportation
alternatives, and Critical Mass is at the cutting edge of
this mindset.
We
Are Traffic! tracks this leaderless, grassroots movement from its beginnings
in San Francisco in 1992 to its spread across the globe.
With a radical direct-action approach the participants of
Critical Mass are celebrating the bicycle and in turn taking
on perhaps the century's most sacred cow: the automobile.
Presenting
both the successes and failures of this unique movement
We Are Traffic! shows how Critical Mass has brought
together complete strangers in an exuberant, commercial-free
public space filled with creativity and unpredictability.
In its efforts to raise awareness Critical Mass has both
inspired and challenged the public while often confounding
public officials and police departments.
We
Are Traffic! is
a fascinating analysis of a modern political movement:
Critical Mass--which challenges
the very notion of what a political movement should look
like and how it should function.
We
Are Traffic! investigates
vibrant examples of transportation-related art created and
displayed in public places, focusing on the work of mural
artist Rigo, whose bold traffic-sign motifs ask questions
instead of give commands. Also highlighted is the work of
other Critical Mass-associated artists including Jim Swanson,
Beth Verdekal, and the mysterious "San Francisco Department
of Public Art".
Provocative
and entertaining, this documentary presents a side of Critical
Mass not seen in mainstream media and illustrates the amazing
geographic spread of Critical Mass, providing glimpses of
Critical Masses in Austin,TX, Eugene, OR, Chapel Hill, NC,
New York, NY, Chicago, IL, Copenhagen, London and Sydney.
We
Are Traffic! celebrates
modern grassroots politics, free expression and the potential
for revitalized public spaces.
".
. . this festive look at a burgeoning movement
is a fine invitation to join the freewheeling
crowds -- or at least cheer from the sidewalk
to encourage the demise of fossil-fueled tyranny."
--
Sierra Magazine
| Broadcasts: |
Recent screenings: |
Suggested University/
Classroom use: |
|
• PBS, KQED, San Francisco,CA
• FreeSpeech Television
Summer Series
• PBS, WYBE "Through the Lens" series, Philadelphia,
PA
• Excerpts
broadcast on National Geographic Television
|
• SEED
Sustainability Conference at Evergreen College,
Olympia,WA
• Toronto
International Environmental Film Festival
• Chicago
Undergound Film Festival
• Northwest
Film Center, Portland, OR
• Western
University, Bellingham, WA
• Oakland
Museum, Oakland, CA
|
• Environmental
and Sustainability courses
• Cultural
Geography
• Urban
Design/Planning
• Architecture
• Political
Science
|
|
To
order, simply click on the
"Buy Now" button
$25.00
USD plus $3 shipping
($6 international)
Questions?
email Ted White
at ted@igc.org |

|
Both
Return of the Scorcher and
We Are Traffic!
now come bundled
together on one DVD.
The DVD also includes bonus material.
Plays in all regions
|
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