the reasoning behind the problems with red lights is as follows. As a "Critical Mass" the goal of this ride is two fold. One to truly be safe and have fun on a road ride. Two, it is for us to show that bikes are traffic. Now then, the thing about the critical mass is that we are safest when we are in one group. If we break up into smaller groups traffic congestion will get worse and we as cyclists will be even less safe then before. The easiest way for traffic to flow and for the cyclists to be safe is to stay together. That being said the reason that traffic is stopped when the mass hits a red light is that if we have a red light with only a portion of the group through we need to try to keep the group together. If we hit a red light at the front of the group the group is supposed to stop. Granted with such a large group and no organized leader sometimes its difficult to make sure that the group follows the basic rules. However, if we didn't continue to ride through the redlight congestion would be worse because either the group would stop completely and wait for the rest of the riders or we would have multiple small groups taking up lanes in certain intervals. Granted as a group we need to try and contain the cyclists to as few lanes as possible and try to not hold up traffic. Our goal is not to disrupt traffic as much as show drivers that we deserve the right to be safe on the road. Please be patient, we mean no harm. Just let us pass and all will be well.