Critical Mass on Eight Wheels

Streetfilms looks at the livable streets movement in Paris and a twice-weekly "critical mass" over roller skaters that often brings crowds of thousands.

1 minute read

April 26, 2008, 5:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

"Every Friday night and Sunday afternoon Parisians can take the streets and see their city on skates. And they do, by the thousands! Both mass rides, which are sponsored by different associations, started small and now are institutions of public street life in Paris."

"A little history: The Friday night skates were started by a small group of friends. After the transit strikes in 1995, which forced Parisians to find a new way to get around town, thousands of people began to show up on Friday evenings just to practice moving through the city on roller blades. The numbers inspired Pari Roller to form an official association working with Paris', and the world's, first roller blade national police unit."

FULL STORY: Streetfilm: Paris Skates!

Thursday, April 24, 2008 in Streetsblog

Social / Demographics Transportation Europe Paris France Roller Skating Critical Mass View More

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