"This is not a fringe group," said [Ian Mauro], a University of Manitoba PhD student in environmental studies. The riders have a "diversity of concerns" -- to promote the use and acceptance of bikes in commuting and a sustainable environment.

"Cycling is not only fun but necessary, given the pending oil crisis," said Mauro, who waited last night with about 40 other Critical Mass riders outside the Public Safety Building for their fellow protesters to be released. They said it was a peaceful demonstration until the ride got to Broadway and Donald Street and police cruisers swarmed them.

"They started grabbing people and it turned into a big mêlée," Mauro said. "People were pretty frantic. They were pulling people off bikes to the ground and there were children in the middle of the parade."