In past years, cyclists with Critical Mass have taken over the Burrard Street Bridge. In past years, cyclists with Critical Mass have taken over the Burrard Street Bridge. (CBC)

Vancouver Police say they're not expecting problems with the Critical Mass bike ride Friday afternoon, even though there is still no predetermined route for the somewhat spontaneous event.

Spokeswoman Const. Jana McGuinness said officers have met with some people involved in the monthly bicycle ride through the city, which draws hundreds of cyclists, but have been unable to get them to stick to a specific route.

The Critical Mass cyclists ride through the city's streets following whoever is in the lead as they turn onto whichever street they feel like at that moment.

"I can tell you that we have been meeting with some of the people that are involved in the ride. Those meetings are continuing and have been positive," said McGuinness.

"We're still working towards, hopefully, getting predetermined ride routes. We're not at that stage yet," she said.

The delays caused by the free-spirited riders often irritate motorists and pedestrians, and last month, Vancouver police warned they were concerned about the increasing number of confrontations during the ride.

The Critical Mass ride is held on the last Friday of every month. It starts at 6 p.m. PT at the Vancouver Art Gallery downtown. Similar events, intended to promote cycling and cyclists' rights, happen on the same day in cities around the world.