Blackfriars Bridge (Critical Mass & Flash Ride) Friday 29 July, 6pm

It's impossible to predict how many will come to these quick by name and quick in the planning rides.

Given the massive turn out at the last Critical Mass back in March last year which made a stand against recent deaths by lorries, I was hopeful but excited chatter on the web doesn't always result in action.

I needn't have been concerned. As I turned up towards Blackfriars from Upper Ground, there they were, at least 500 cyclists (quite possibly many more but I'm no good at counting massive groups) gathering in the low sunlight at the foot of the bridge. Palpable Friday night in the City energy.

By 6.10 we were all on the bridge - Boris bikes with protest placards, fixies, Pashleys, hi-vis commuters, a Westie in a trailer, a pennyfarthing, youngsters, older people, suited, frocked etc. - and slowly, quietly, calmly pedalled north blocking the whole road, the road on which too many cyclists have lost their lives. For once I was contented to be coasting, not marshalling or blocking traffic and it felt a good place to be.

So many genuine smiles, people glad to be able to express their frustration and fury in a physical way, since sensible lobbying, writing, petitioning has not worked.

Countless familiar faces from Southwark Cyclists, LCC (who acted fast on this to their great credit), blogs, forums and other campaigning groups, came together to try to stop the bridge being reopened without a 20mph limit or cycle lanes.

Will we finally make Transport for London and the Mayor of London make decisions in our favour? Will cars ever be deemed less important than the safety of cyclists and pedestrians? Will it make a blind bit of difference?

It doesn't end there of course. There's going to be a go slow flashride on Monday morning so that TfL ... see LCC's website for updates.