Aftermass: Bicycling In A Post-critical Mass Portland

Aftermass: Bicycling in a Post-Critical Mass Portland, directed by Joe Biel and released in 2013, offers an inspiring story about a city reimagining urban sustainability through the lens of bicycling. The documentary features leading voices from Portland's famed cycling movement, including Mayor Charlie Hales and leading advocate Elly Blue. The film spotlights not only Portland's bicycle culture, but also the ongoing and broader dialogue about urban planning, community action, and environmental optimism in America's Pacific Northwest city.

The film examines Portland's evolution from a typical American city dominated by car culture to one of the leading cities in the world for cycling infrastructure and culture, where cycling is not misinterpreted as a fringe lifestyle, but rather celebrated as a viable, sustainable, and respected form of transportation. The movie title, "Aftermass," is a clever allusion to Portland's transformation following the explosive 'Critical Mass' bike protection movements of the 1990s.

The film presents a rich narrative, juxtaposing interviews with key Portland cyclists like Charlie Hales and Elly Blue against the backdrop of the city's iconic landmarks, cultural idiosyncrasies, and bustling bike lanes. Director Joe Biel's vision paints an inspiring and informative picture of Portland's bike-centric journey, an evolution that has woven the bicycle deeply into the fabric of the city's culture, economy, and identity.

Mayor Charlie Hales is one of the prominent faces in the documentary. As Portland's mayor from 2013 to 2016, Hales was a key figure in pushing for policies favoring cycling infrastructure and safety. His anecdotes and insights provide a crucial viewpoint to appreciate the policy aspects of the cycling revolution, demonstrating the importance of political leadership in the progress made by cities towards sustainable transport.

Elly Blue, another standout in the film, is renowned in the cycling community as a writer, speaker, and advocate for cycling and transportation equity. Blue's acumen and passion are clearly evident in her nuanced narration about Portland's biking culture, connecting individual experiences with the broader socio-political contexts. She helps the audience understand how bicycle culture in Portland is about more than just transportation - it's about sustainability, equity, and community.

The film also explores the conflicts and roadblocks that occurred during this cycling revolution. It emphasizes that such transformations are rarely linear or smooth. It touches on the initial pushback from drivers and city authorities, the logistical difficulties of integrating a new mode of transport into an established urban framework, and the power of community organizing in overcoming these challenges. The film shows how cycling in Portland evolved from a rebellious statement by ardent advocates into a mainstream movement, inspiring other cities around the world.

In Aftermass: Bicycling in a Post-Critical Mass Portland, the camera captures more than the picturesque beauty of Portland and its vibrant streets. It captures the passion, dedication, and sense of community that was instrumental in driving this transformation. Viewers are left inspired by the collective spirit of Portland residents in carving out a path that severely counters the car-dominant American norm.

More than anything, Aftermass is an evocative story about the power of human determination and collective effort. It's a tale about how through community actions and appropriate policy interventions, ordinary citizens can herald extraordinary change, shifting the dominant culture and making their cities more sustainable, inclusive, and livable. In an age of climate change and growing concerns about our environmental footprint, the film delivers a powerful and hopeful message about the possibilities of grassroots activism and systemic change.

The documentary provides a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between advocacy, policy, and change, making it a must-see for social change enthusiasts, urban planners, bike enthusiasts, and indeed for anyone interested in understanding how cities and communities can evolve for a sustainable future. It's a celebration of human agency, a study in successful activism, and a clarion call for sustainable mobility and urban living.