Is bicycling — dare we say it — cosmopolitan?

“Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race,” said sci-fi writer H.G. Wells. You’ve got two shots at group bike-riding this week – one for policy and one for partying. Start out with the Highland Road Bike Ride before the DOTD planning meeting on pedestrian and bike paths. Meet bicyclists around the city at 5 p.m. sharp Thursday at the LSU Clocktower; the group will cycle down Highland Road to the Bluebonnet Library just in time for the 6 p.m. meeting, when the state agency will hear ideas on bike policy. Since the group ride is near sunset, participants must wear helmets and have lights on their bikes. The next day is the popular monthly Critical Mass, which begins at 5:30 p.m., LSU Clocktower. A pool party follows the ride, so bring your swimsuit and a towel. Free. (File photo by Brian Baiamonte)