Watch Still We Ride

Still We Ride is a documentary film that depicts the critical mass bike ride in 2004 that resulted in over 250 arrests. The documentary is directed and edited by Andrew Lynn and Elizabeth Press. The film follows a group of New York City bicyclists who organize a massive ride, which takes place the night before the Republican National Convention. The purpose of the ride is to protest the government's politics and the war in Iraq. The film captures their stories and presents cycling as a form of social and political resistance.

The film opens with footage of the critical mass bike ride, as cyclists take to the streets en masse. The energy of the ride is palpable, as the group navigates through the city on their bikes, chanting and singing. The documentary then explores the history and significance of critical mass rides, discussing how the movement started in San Francisco in the early 1990s and has since spread across the globe. The filmmakers also interview several cyclists who explain why they participate in critical mass rides and the political message behind them.

The film then shifts its focus to the 2004 ride in New York City, as the organizers plan and strategize for the upcoming event. Despite facing opposition from the police department and city government, the cyclists are determined to make their voices heard. The documentary follows the organizers as they use various tactics to mobilize the public, distributing flyers and using the internet to spread the word. The film also features interviews with several police officers who were tasked with managing the ride, providing insight into the complicated relationship between cyclists and law enforcement.

As the day of the ride approaches, tensions rise as the police department takes a strong stance against the protesters. The documentary captures several intense moments, including confrontations between cyclists and police, and scenes of cyclists being forcibly removed from their bikes and arrested. The film also features interviews with several cyclists who were among the many arrested during the ride, providing insight into their experiences in jail and the legal battles that followed.

Despite the arrests and opposition faced by the cyclists, the film ultimately presents the critical mass ride as a successful form of political resistance. The documentary depicts the power of collective action, showing how a group of individuals can come together to fight for what they believe in. The film concludes with footage of the critical mass bike ride in 2005, which drew an even larger crowd and was ultimately met with less opposition from the city government and police department.

In terms of visual style and editing, Still We Ride is a relatively straightforward documentary that relies heavily on interviews and footage of the critical mass ride itself. The filmmakers present a clear and concise narrative that highlights the political message behind the ride, while also providing context and history for the movement as a whole. The documentary effectively captures the energy and passion of the cyclists, presenting their story in a compelling and engaging way.

Overall, Still We Ride is a powerful documentary that serves as both a celebration of cycling and a call to action for political resistance. The film highlights the importance of collective action and the need for individuals to stand up for their beliefs, even in the face of opposition. The critical mass ride depicted in the film serves as a reminder of the power of the people, and the documentary is an inspiring testament to the potential for change through peaceful protest.

Still We Ride is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.