Cyclists rode over the Bolte Bridge in February 2004 as part of their Critical Mass ride. One of the complaints of Critical Mass is that the Bolte Bridge makes no provision for cycle access, whilst more broadly it further entrenches car and oil dependency. According to a police spokeswoman about 300 cyclists took part in the ride, forcing the closure of northbound lanes on the Bolte Bridge for about 25 minutes shortly after 7 pm. It was reported by the ABC that the protest minimally disrupted traffic. Transport Minister Peter Batchelor denounced the event, "I think it's counterproductive; I think it works against the best interests of the cycling community," he told the ABC. Acting Police Superintendent Brett Guerin told the Herald Sun "Facilitating protests is always the best option and has proved to work in the past,"  In November 2004 Superintendent Mick Williams bypassed the previous policy of negotiation and facilitation and threatened a crackdown on cyclists using CityLink which prevented Critical Mass from entering the CityLink system. Brian, an environment professional who attended the ride, told the Jon Faine program on ABC radio that the Burnley Tunnel was an appropriate target for such a protest, but routes are decided on the night by the riders "It (the route) is decided on the night by the people who are there. The Burnley Tunnel represents car-only infrastructure development by a private company to serve a public function." He explained further that congestion on Citylink proved the infrastructure was failing and alternative means of transportation needed to gain greater prominence. "It (the ride) has raised the profile of the issue of the under-provision of infrastructure for bicycles and the failings of CityLink." he said. Critical Mass continued to gather each month between 2005 and 2014, with a focus on safer cycling and becoming a party on wheels/example of the freedom and enjoyment of cycling. Large infrastructure and major arteries were avoided in the interests of public safety and promoting cycling (and the event) as inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. After numbers of attendees dropped off during 2015, Critical Mass Melbourne was reduced to a small hardcore group of die-hards. Attempts were made to have a closing ride to celebrate the death of Critical Mass but sufficient attendees could not be mustered. Attendance continued to decline until it reach zero in mid 2015. Since 2016 new ride was promoted via social networking links and was touted to reappear on 29 January 2016.