The Chicago Hold-Up, also known as a bike lift or bike salute, or sometimes a bikes high, refers to the act of lifting and holding a bike above one's head, sometimes balanced on one hand (or even the chin), as an expression of celebration or defiance. The Chicago Hold-Up is notably performed during Critical Mass bike rides. In Melbourne, Australia, a bike lift is performed after a group countdown from ten to one. At larger rides in the past a variant of the bike lift known as the bike wave have been performed, which combines the wave with the bike lift (from the front to the back of the mass).

The term's origins date back to the first Chicago Critical Mass which took place on September 5, 1997. Upon approaching the intersection of Milwaukee, North and Damen Avenues, an intersection known for being difficult for bikers due to unpredictable traffic, bikers lifted up their bikes, thus holding up traffic for a few moments, and cheering in a parade-like atmosphere. The Chicago Hold-Up is now frequently performed by corkers blocking traffic on either side of the Chicago Critical Mass in order to ensure safety of the riders.

The gesture is often performed as a tribute to biker solidarity and an exhibition of the strength and dedication required for long distance, inner city cycling.

During the Vancouver Critical Mass, when riders reach the top of the bridges around downtown, they stop, and perform a bike salute, generally waiting until the mass has all collected before moving on.

On the London Critical Mass, bike salutes are often given outside Downing Street, and in Piccadilly Circus.

References

External links

• Chicago Critical Mass webpage
• Bike salute - photo project documenting the gesture