The March 30, 2001, Critical Mass ride rolled in support of community gardens. A highlight of this event was the world debut of the GIANT CATERPILLAR, a bicycling work of art that moved through city streets. As you can see in the picture above, it was almost as big as a city bus — and much more beautiful and graceful. Some folks accompanied the caterpillar dressed as garden beings. The Caterpillar and outfits were created during Puppet Making sessions.

• The Caterpillar’s ride to save the gardens
  is on our Eco-Updates from New York video.

The Making of The Caterpillar

Construction took place at the Charas community center.
Here the frame is assembled.

The many-colored caterpillar body is pulled over the frame.

Taking a break for food (not bombs).

Now well-fed, the crafty puppeteers go outside to
put the “legs” on: ten bicycles.

(Does that mean this caterpillar is a decipede?)

Whoops, looks like the skin fell off. Not to worry;
it slipped right back on.

Now fully-formed, the hungry caterpillar swallowed up some
well-fed bicyclists and took to the streets, ten bikes strong
(below).

The caterpillar visits the World Trade Center for the NYC Bicycle Show.