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News & ArtsFriday, August 28, 2009
Life Critical Mass Is Tonight
Posted by Christopher Frizzelle on Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Westlake, 6 pm. Not saying another word.
(In case you're just joining us, certain commenters are about to fly into a rage because I'm an asshole, or because all cyclists in Critical Mass are assholes, or because cyclists are inherently dangerous and responsible for most road accidents—total bullshit—or because writing about cyclists means you're elitist, or something... It's a little hard to follow the arguments. Hold onto your helmets.)
3
Helmets? I thought those cool enough to ride in Critical Mass were above safety measures such as helmets and following traffic laws.
5
Yay. Critical Mass.
But certainly there are more lasting solutions to the issue of bicycle safety than mass demonstrations?
Okay, Critical Mass. You got attention. WHAT ARE YOUR DEMANDS?
But certainly there are more lasting solutions to the issue of bicycle safety than mass demonstrations?
Okay, Critical Mass. You got attention. WHAT ARE YOUR DEMANDS?
6
OH HAI CHRIS!
You said,
“or because writing about cyclists means you're elitist, or something..”
Maybe you know you could try writing objectively about cyclists? Just a thought.
Also your Passive aggressive comment at the end isn’t helpful to your cause of proving you’re
A. not an Asshole and B. that Critical Mass is a good cause.
Look I like you and your fellow writers but by being dismissive like this upfront really does make you look like an asshole. You guys lament the Times for not posting both sides of drug bust stories maybe you could pull back and see that yeah sometimes drivers have a valid complaint and some times cyclists have a valid complaint. Yeah some times the comment trolls are douche nozzles but some times the commenter’s have valid points and your blind to that.
You said,
“or because writing about cyclists means you're elitist, or something..”
Maybe you know you could try writing objectively about cyclists? Just a thought.
Also your Passive aggressive comment at the end isn’t helpful to your cause of proving you’re
A. not an Asshole and B. that Critical Mass is a good cause.
Look I like you and your fellow writers but by being dismissive like this upfront really does make you look like an asshole. You guys lament the Times for not posting both sides of drug bust stories maybe you could pull back and see that yeah sometimes drivers have a valid complaint and some times cyclists have a valid complaint. Yeah some times the comment trolls are douche nozzles but some times the commenter’s have valid points and your blind to that.
7
Not going to take the bait Frizzelle.
The vast majority of the participants and for that matter the area residents, all know full well that Critical Assholes meet on the last Friday of each month.
The usual jack assery will happen. The usual assholes will pull stunts. The usual people will be up in arms.
Nothing positive will come of the event. Rather, more negative connotations will be assigned to all bicycle riders, more discontent will be spread. More enemies will be made against bicyclers.
Go have fun. You are doing all the work for those against your agenda.
Heck you should start doing it 4 Fridays a month. Why limit yourselves?
:)
The vast majority of the participants and for that matter the area residents, all know full well that Critical Assholes meet on the last Friday of each month.
The usual jack assery will happen. The usual assholes will pull stunts. The usual people will be up in arms.
Nothing positive will come of the event. Rather, more negative connotations will be assigned to all bicycle riders, more discontent will be spread. More enemies will be made against bicyclers.
Go have fun. You are doing all the work for those against your agenda.
Heck you should start doing it 4 Fridays a month. Why limit yourselves?
:)
8
I for one think critical mass is just a bunch of masturbation for bicycling enthusiasts and the "cool" kids, but if you wanted to make the most of bugging the shit out of people why don't you do it at 4pm or 5pm and not 6pm?
10
@7: Because that's what Thursday nights are for.
I'll be prefunking at the NiteLite, come do shots before fucking with traffic.
In b4 Triforce, and some asshole talking about eating a huge sandwich.
I'll be prefunking at the NiteLite, come do shots before fucking with traffic.
In b4 Triforce, and some asshole talking about eating a huge sandwich.
11
Have fun, be careful, and always wear your helmets. Hope you see a pretty sunset. Enjoy those green lines, and don't crash.
12
Hmm.
Christopher writes a shitty, sniveling, nasty post on Slog about cycling that does more harm than good to the cause.
Domenic writes a shitty, sniveling, nasty post on Slog about Hempfest that does more harm than good to the cause.
I think I'm beginning to see a pattern developing here.
Christopher writes a shitty, sniveling, nasty post on Slog about cycling that does more harm than good to the cause.
Domenic writes a shitty, sniveling, nasty post on Slog about Hempfest that does more harm than good to the cause.
I think I'm beginning to see a pattern developing here.
13
Every time I've seen Critical Mass go by, everyone on the street smiles and some people cheer. I'm pretty sure everyone complaining has never seen them, or are the usual bitter suburbanites who complain about having to look at Lenin statues and gay pride flags. Even the SPD supports Critical Mass. Lamest Internet controversy ever.
14
It's going to be hell trying to get on the light rail line with that many cyclists on it.
.....
You are exercising your right to use the light rail, aren't you?
.....
You are exercising your right to use the light rail, aren't you?
16
@6 "Look I like you and your fellow writers but by being dismissive like this upfront really does make you look like an asshole. You guys lament the Times for not posting both sides of drug bust stories maybe you could pull back and see that yeah sometimes drivers have a valid complaint and some times cyclists have a valid complaint. Yeah some times the comment trolls are douche nozzles but some times the commenter’s have valid points and your blind to that."
This needs to be repeated.
This needs to be repeated.
17
SPD doesn't "support" Critical Mass, you idiot.
They just don't have enough manpower to control it, and the politicians don't have the balls to do what it would take to shut it down. WTO made wimps of all of them.
What we could really use is some of those spiffy plainclothes Metro Transit (KCSO) cops in their unmarked SUVs to whoop up on some Critical Mass ass.
They just don't have enough manpower to control it, and the politicians don't have the balls to do what it would take to shut it down. WTO made wimps of all of them.
What we could really use is some of those spiffy plainclothes Metro Transit (KCSO) cops in their unmarked SUVs to whoop up on some Critical Mass ass.
19
Savage writes a shitty, sniveling, nasty post on Slog about (pit bulls, obesity, gay marriage, health care reform, Obama, teen sex education, Prop 8, R71, etc etc etc) that does more harm than good to the cause.
20
@8: "why don't you do it at 4pm or 5pm and not 6pm?"
CM rides typically are scheduled for 5:30pm. This gives people who work until 5pm time to get to it and is early enough to still give some daylight (in fall/spring months) during the ride.
The Seattle ride used to gather before 5:30 and depart by 5:45. This would also give a chance for the mass to be seen by more drivers during rush hour (and to some, visibility is a big part of CM).
But this is Seattle. Over the years the actual start time has slipped later and later. Last month the "5:30" ride didn't start until around 6:20pm. Instead of riding and socializing, many riders prefer to socialize for an hour and then ride. It's odd. Show up and you can see groups of friends chatting and also solo people standing around wondering when the ride will actually start. I've been asked by more than one person why the start time is so late. By the time the ride start the streets are actually fairly empty (which makes it funnier when the haters claim CM is fowling up traffic).
I was surprised that Frizzelle put a more accurate start time of 6pm in his post. But maybe now the ride won't actually start until 7pm. Who knows. All I know is that I forgot to bring my bike to work today.
CM rides typically are scheduled for 5:30pm. This gives people who work until 5pm time to get to it and is early enough to still give some daylight (in fall/spring months) during the ride.
The Seattle ride used to gather before 5:30 and depart by 5:45. This would also give a chance for the mass to be seen by more drivers during rush hour (and to some, visibility is a big part of CM).
But this is Seattle. Over the years the actual start time has slipped later and later. Last month the "5:30" ride didn't start until around 6:20pm. Instead of riding and socializing, many riders prefer to socialize for an hour and then ride. It's odd. Show up and you can see groups of friends chatting and also solo people standing around wondering when the ride will actually start. I've been asked by more than one person why the start time is so late. By the time the ride start the streets are actually fairly empty (which makes it funnier when the haters claim CM is fowling up traffic).
I was surprised that Frizzelle put a more accurate start time of 6pm in his post. But maybe now the ride won't actually start until 7pm. Who knows. All I know is that I forgot to bring my bike to work today.
21
I think we need a lot of pedestrians to exercise their rights to cross the roads along Westlake tonight.
23
Actually I think most anti-CM comments revolve around the fact that blocking roads without a permit is a dick move.
25
@12, I'd like to point out a few things about Dominic's "shitty, sniveling, nasty post on Slog about Hempfest that [did] more harm than good to the cause."
First, Dominic's line about Hempfest was one line in a 1,200 word article about why now would be a good time to push for the legalization of marijuana. He made a tiny, throw-away reference to a group that is loud, proud and more-or-less marginalized -- partly by the way they have chosen to present themselves, and party by the way they have been presented by the community -- and a bunch of Hempfest supporters jumped on that one line and completely ignored the entire rest of the article. The article itself made a fairly strong argument for the goals that Hempfest works towards -- decriminalization, legalization, acceptance and use.
Second, the the statement regarding the "patchouli-stained ghetto of Hempfest" showed up in a printed article in the Stranger proper, not the SLOG. Later posts by Dominic were cranky, certainly, but not without a point: how does pointing out that having your public face be the most easily caricatured hurt the movement? Gay rights, for example, have made huge strides over the last decades, but it's taken a lot of work from people willing to put on suits and engage the wider community on its own terms: events like Pride and the Folsom Street Fair which are useful as street theater and conversation starters are backed up with lawyers and activists and lobbyists and community organizers. Getting bent out of shape over the minutiae of community politics and losing sight of the massive shared goals weakens any political movement a lot more than merely recognizing and gently mocking the way different groups advocate for the same issue.
First, Dominic's line about Hempfest was one line in a 1,200 word article about why now would be a good time to push for the legalization of marijuana. He made a tiny, throw-away reference to a group that is loud, proud and more-or-less marginalized -- partly by the way they have chosen to present themselves, and party by the way they have been presented by the community -- and a bunch of Hempfest supporters jumped on that one line and completely ignored the entire rest of the article. The article itself made a fairly strong argument for the goals that Hempfest works towards -- decriminalization, legalization, acceptance and use.
Second, the the statement regarding the "patchouli-stained ghetto of Hempfest" showed up in a printed article in the Stranger proper, not the SLOG. Later posts by Dominic were cranky, certainly, but not without a point: how does pointing out that having your public face be the most easily caricatured hurt the movement? Gay rights, for example, have made huge strides over the last decades, but it's taken a lot of work from people willing to put on suits and engage the wider community on its own terms: events like Pride and the Folsom Street Fair which are useful as street theater and conversation starters are backed up with lawyers and activists and lobbyists and community organizers. Getting bent out of shape over the minutiae of community politics and losing sight of the massive shared goals weakens any political movement a lot more than merely recognizing and gently mocking the way different groups advocate for the same issue.
28
Does Critical Mass have a point beyond being a fun, rule-breaking, rolling party? Not that there's anything especially wrong with that, but I really would like to know if they're trying to do or say something more.
29
@25
typical critical mass comment. Critical mass gets off purposely adding to the misery of people trying to get home after a long week by randomly slowing or stopping traffic. Typical downtown or commuter traffic is made up of people who would very much prefer to not be in the snarl they are in and didn't wake thinking "shit, I'll go add my car to the pile up to prove how independent and speical I am.
typical critical mass comment. Critical mass gets off purposely adding to the misery of people trying to get home after a long week by randomly slowing or stopping traffic. Typical downtown or commuter traffic is made up of people who would very much prefer to not be in the snarl they are in and didn't wake thinking "shit, I'll go add my car to the pile up to prove how independent and speical I am.
33
#31 replace "I" with "those making that argument".
As for my opinion, hundreds of bike riders purposefully blocking traffic in all lanes for hours is considerably different than a car driver getting stuck in an intersection and blocking one lane for a minute. Both dickish, one infinitely more so than the other.
As for my opinion, hundreds of bike riders purposefully blocking traffic in all lanes for hours is considerably different than a car driver getting stuck in an intersection and blocking one lane for a minute. Both dickish, one infinitely more so than the other.
34
SPD doesn't "support" Critical Mass, you idiot.
They just don't have enough manpower to control it, and the politicians don't have the balls to do what it would take to shut it down. WTO made wimps of all of them.
What we could really use is some of those spiffy plainclothes Metro Transit (KCSO) cops in their unmarked SUVs to whoop up on some Critical Mass ass.
Uh. SPD escorts every Critical Mass event now to control unruly drivers. They don't need "plainclothes" cops, they have uniformed cops there to protect Critical Mass riders.
Like I said, it sounds like most people ranting about Critical Mass on the Internet have never seen them (and probably never will, since they stick to the suburbs).
35
Dougsf @ 15 -- That Freakonomics link was interesting.
Yes, BUT ... if Freakonomics had taken a look at the actual study, instead of taking Project Freeride's review of the study at face value, it would have been much LESS interesting. (See my extended comment under Dan's earlier post for details.)
Yes, BUT ... if Freakonomics had taken a look at the actual study, instead of taking Project Freeride's review of the study at face value, it would have been much LESS interesting. (See my extended comment under Dan's earlier post for details.)
36
That must be new... because my hatred for Critical Mass has nothing to do with thinking "cyclists are inherently dangerous and responsible for most road accidents."
It has everything to do with asking why a rally that's supposed to be about cyclists exercising their rights results in many cyclists doing whatever they can to break the existing traffic laws... such as by holding up traffic, threatening drivers, causing delays for buses, and riding up onto a highway.
It has everything to do with asking why a rally that's supposed to be about cyclists exercising their rights results in many cyclists doing whatever they can to break the existing traffic laws... such as by holding up traffic, threatening drivers, causing delays for buses, and riding up onto a highway.
37
@34: I live on First Hill and think CM is hilarious. And drivers complaining about CM is also hilarious.
And I also think your argument is hilarious because the SPD would also escort hate groups if they chose to parade down your street up in Shoreline or wherever.
RAAAAAAARGH YOU ARE INFRINGING ON MY RIGHTS YOU ARE BLOCKING MY STREETS WHY ARE THERE NO BIKE LANES FOR ME TO IGNORE I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT RARGH GRARRGH.
And I also think your argument is hilarious because the SPD would also escort hate groups if they chose to parade down your street up in Shoreline or wherever.
RAAAAAAARGH YOU ARE INFRINGING ON MY RIGHTS YOU ARE BLOCKING MY STREETS WHY ARE THERE NO BIKE LANES FOR ME TO IGNORE I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT RARGH GRARRGH.
38
@34 Bullshit Lizzie
Are you trying to tell us that SPD was escorting CM up over the Viaduct the other month they did that?
Really?
Or is this a "recent" phenomena that is the result of asshole behavior by CM morons being dickheads from that very day, and almost causing a major wreck?
hmmm?
tick tock tick tock
It's only a matter of time before some bicyclist dies due to their assholery at that event
tick tock tick tock
Are you trying to tell us that SPD was escorting CM up over the Viaduct the other month they did that?
Really?
Or is this a "recent" phenomena that is the result of asshole behavior by CM morons being dickheads from that very day, and almost causing a major wreck?
hmmm?
tick tock tick tock
It's only a matter of time before some bicyclist dies due to their assholery at that event
tick tock tick tock
39
"But this is Seattle. Over the years the actual start time has slipped later and later. Last month the "5:30" ride didn't start until around 6:20pm. Instead of riding and socializing, many riders prefer to socialize for an hour and then ride."
One would wonder does that socializing involves drinking. It would seem to be as dangerous to drink and ride as drink and drive, especially on downtown streets.
It's the double standards expected by some that annoy.
One would wonder does that socializing involves drinking. It would seem to be as dangerous to drink and ride as drink and drive, especially on downtown streets.
It's the double standards expected by some that annoy.
40
CM'ers in Seattle would do well to learn from Portland's experience: http://bikeportland.org/2009/02/15/movie…
41
"But this is Seattle. Over the years the actual start time has slipped later and later. Last month the "5:30" ride didn't start until around 6:20pm. Instead of riding and socializing, many riders prefer to socialize for an hour and then ride."
One would wonder does that socializing involves drinking. It would seem to be as dangerous to drink and ride as drink and drive, especially on downtown streets.
It's the double standards expected by some that annoy.
One would wonder does that socializing involves drinking. It would seem to be as dangerous to drink and ride as drink and drive, especially on downtown streets.
It's the double standards expected by some that annoy.
42
Ummm, #38. Here ya go.
Picture of SPD officer chatting with Critical Mass riders at Westlake: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinp/6737…
SPD bike officers riding along as part of Critical Mass:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/87287198@N0…
SPD blocking an intersection for Critical Mass:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/87287198@N0…
SPD officer enjoying the Critical Mass show at Greenlake:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/81325557@N0…
According to council member Burgess, Chief Kerlikowske “spoke rather eloquently about the fact that the police dept has no desire at all to stop the Critical Mass rides or be heavy handed.”http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/crit…
Picture of SPD officer chatting with Critical Mass riders at Westlake: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinp/6737…
SPD bike officers riding along as part of Critical Mass:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/87287198@N0…
SPD blocking an intersection for Critical Mass:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/87287198@N0…
SPD officer enjoying the Critical Mass show at Greenlake:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/81325557@N0…
43
@42 sure there is a SPD presence now... but when was the Viaduct incident?
Is there a photo of SPD gleefully riding along atop the Viaduct?
Hmm?
Were these photos taken after that assholery?
well?
Is there a photo of SPD gleefully riding along atop the Viaduct?
Hmm?
Were these photos taken after that assholery?
well?
44
@33
CM blocks an intersection for maybe five minutes at a time, usually far less.
With the exception of taking Aurora or something similar unusual and spectacular, when CM takes a street we're generally on it for five minutes or so as well and maybe half a dozen blocks before we turn onto another street.
None of that blocks traffic anymore than a semi making a delivery or a stalled bus.
CM blocks an intersection for maybe five minutes at a time, usually far less.
With the exception of taking Aurora or something similar unusual and spectacular, when CM takes a street we're generally on it for five minutes or so as well and maybe half a dozen blocks before we turn onto another street.
None of that blocks traffic anymore than a semi making a delivery or a stalled bus.
46
#37, see #26.
Also, if SPD is escorting hate groups blocking streets with a parade, they have a permit to do so.
Does CM get permits?
Also, if SPD is escorting hate groups blocking streets with a parade, they have a permit to do so.
Does CM get permits?
47
#44 yes that's true, but I do believe most of the non-straw-man criticism that Frizzelle is referring to here was re: blocking 99.
50
PS #38. There are literally hundreds of Critical Mass events around the world, not just in Seattle. As far as I know, nobody has ever died at one.
http://criticalmass.wikia.com/wiki/List_…
Meanwhile, people die every single day due to the Critical Mass of cars on the street. Cars are the #1 cause of death for people under 45.
http://criticalmass.wikia.com/wiki/List_…
Meanwhile, people die every single day due to the Critical Mass of cars on the street. Cars are the #1 cause of death for people under 45.
51
Clearly, the best way to convince people that bicyclists aren't responsible for road accidents is for mass quantities of them to routinely break the law with glee.
Why do you think people assume that it's your fault when you get hit, exactly?
Why do you think people assume that it's your fault when you get hit, exactly?
52
People, it's just a bike ride. We have to have a sense of humor about this. I was poking fun at flying into a rage over something no one needs to fly into a rage over, and poking fun at myself for poking people into flying into a rage, because of how predictable the CM/anti-CM rage has become. Rage is all the rage! Critical Mass has no point that I know of, Josh. It's just fun. Kind of like Slog.
53
@ 50 still not answering my post response @ 43? What is your answer? C'mon! I know you can tell the truth! You can do it! I have faith!
In the mean time...
@51 FTW! lol spot on!
In the mean time...
@51 FTW! lol spot on!
54
Re Frizzelle's 'total bullshit' -- this refers to Dan Savage's citation of Freakonomics's citation of Project Freeride's citation of a Toronto traffic study which concudes nothing of the sort.
IOW, 'total bullshit' is total bullshit.
IOW, 'total bullshit' is total bullshit.
55
Wow. I'm not your google monkey, Reality Check.
I don't even know what you're talking about. Critical Mass has been riding on the viaduct at least 1-2 times a year for 5+ years. SPD has been riding along and escorting Critical Mass for years as well -- no, not every single time for every single minute. Yes, I believe SPD has ridden along every single time since a stopped car purposefully ran into some Critical Mass bicyclists last fall.
I don't even understand your point. Do you just want to "win" something?
Fine, I'll let this (amazingly un-ironic) comment of yours stand:
I don't even know what you're talking about. Critical Mass has been riding on the viaduct at least 1-2 times a year for 5+ years. SPD has been riding along and escorting Critical Mass for years as well -- no, not every single time for every single minute. Yes, I believe SPD has ridden along every single time since a stopped car purposefully ran into some Critical Mass bicyclists last fall.
I don't even understand your point. Do you just want to "win" something?
Fine, I'll let this (amazingly un-ironic) comment of yours stand:
WRONG.
Cars are our God-given right as Americans.
56
has anyone been run over yet?
cause if anyone gets run over the drinks at next Slog Happy are on ME!
cause if anyone gets run over the drinks at next Slog Happy are on ME!
57
I'd be so into CM if only the people involved promoted it as a disruptive/anarchist thing. As it is, I can't stand the holier-than-thou types who want to act like hooligans (yay, hooligans) but be admired as some kind of noble social movement. It's like smacking a random stranger in the back of the head, and then claiming that you didn't. If you're going to fuck with people, go for it... just have the balls to stand up and say that yes, you are fucking with people, and if they don't like it they can get stuffed. That, I would admire. This "I don't know why everyone's pissed off, it's totally harmless" crap is so transparently dishonest that it ruins the whole exercise.
59
@58: Um, your psychic powers, and possibly your reading comprehension powers, are failing you. I'm a huge fan of both soccer and soccer hooligans. Re-read my post.
If soccer hooligans acted all haughty and said crap like "it's harmless fun, we don't see why people complain, it doesn't hurt anyone", then I'd dislike 'em. But, unlike CM types, the hooligans seem quite cognizant and proud of the disruption and harm they do. So I like 'em.
If soccer hooligans acted all haughty and said crap like "it's harmless fun, we don't see why people complain, it doesn't hurt anyone", then I'd dislike 'em. But, unlike CM types, the hooligans seem quite cognizant and proud of the disruption and harm they do. So I like 'em.
60
#59: Critical Mass is cognizant of the "disruption" they do. That's why they make it clear when they're coming by block intersections. They don't do any "harm" to others so of course they're not cognizant of that.
Drivers are the ones who don't appear to be cognizant of the disruption and massive harm they do.
Drivers are the ones who don't appear to be cognizant of the disruption and massive harm they do.
61
@13 just because someone disagrees with you it doesn't automatically make them a reactionary neocon suburbanite, you big dummy.
remember, only a Sith deals in absolutes.
remember, only a Sith deals in absolutes.
62
I guess, since that post about CM on the viaduct was such a big hit, we can look forward to Frizzelle posting something like this every time it's CM time. Yay.
63
@ 13 "I'm pretty sure everyone complaining has never seen them, or are the usual bitter suburbanites who complain about having to look at Lenin statues and gay pride flags."
Are you still so sure? Since I worked in the Wells Fargo Building on 3rd and Madison looking over the streets and saw (and heard) CM every month. Not to mention I used to live in between 3rd and 2nd on Pine Street for several years though the mid-late 90's. I also detest Lenin (why would I admire a statue of someone who slaughtered tens of thousands? for the sake of Fremont's "kitschy art?" No.) I am for equal rights, I embrace gay pride, equal rights, and the movement's symbols. I am proud to be from a region that is not ashamed to display the rainbow flag throughout the city. I am proud that us Seattlites also embrace green living and motor vehicle alternatives. I also hate critical mass. I detest most of types of bike riders it attracts. They seem to be of the bike messenger/hipster/asshole variety. I find (as both a driver and pedestrian in downtown) that most trendy bike courier types rarely abide by the law and for the most part the are unpredictable self righteous asses.
Are you still so sure? Since I worked in the Wells Fargo Building on 3rd and Madison looking over the streets and saw (and heard) CM every month. Not to mention I used to live in between 3rd and 2nd on Pine Street for several years though the mid-late 90's. I also detest Lenin (why would I admire a statue of someone who slaughtered tens of thousands? for the sake of Fremont's "kitschy art?" No.) I am for equal rights, I embrace gay pride, equal rights, and the movement's symbols. I am proud to be from a region that is not ashamed to display the rainbow flag throughout the city. I am proud that us Seattlites also embrace green living and motor vehicle alternatives. I also hate critical mass. I detest most of types of bike riders it attracts. They seem to be of the bike messenger/hipster/asshole variety. I find (as both a driver and pedestrian in downtown) that most trendy bike courier types rarely abide by the law and for the most part the are unpredictable self righteous asses.
64
@52: If it's just simply a fun harmless bike ride, why not move the time to Sunday morning when there's less traffic? Oh, I forgot--creating a nuisance for fewer people would take all the fun out of it. Never mind.
@13: If people are smiling and waving at a group of people riding bicycles escorted by police they probably think it's some kind of charity fundraiser. Why not turn it into something like that to raise money for some worthy cause such as, say, promoting bike safety awareness? There would probably be less hostility to Critical Mass if it actually had a purpose other than to disrupt rush hour traffic.
@13: If people are smiling and waving at a group of people riding bicycles escorted by police they probably think it's some kind of charity fundraiser. Why not turn it into something like that to raise money for some worthy cause such as, say, promoting bike safety awareness? There would probably be less hostility to Critical Mass if it actually had a purpose other than to disrupt rush hour traffic.
65
@ 64 "Why not turn it into something like that to raise money for some worthy cause such as, say, promoting bike safety awareness?"
I think that is a great idea and have often wondered why they don't. That video posted called "What Happened to CM in Portland" @ 40 http://bikeportland.org/2009/02/15/movie… features some good comments:
"JMM @ 8
February 12th, 2009 13:09
Here's another vote for no longer relevant. "Mainstream" in Portland and "mainstream" elsewhere are almost different beyond comparision (sic). Critical mass these days is tainted by the increasing percentage of people that participate just to make life difficult for others. And that is missing the point."
Another:
"cyclist @ 18
February 12th, 2009 16:24
I'm very, very happy CM is gone, they did more to engender dislike of cyclists than they did to gain us traction in the community.
Critical mass brought a lot of the "fuck shit up" contingent out of the woodwork. They were more or less looking for a confrontation, and after a while they got one. I did it once and that was enough for me. It feels like the cycling community has grown up enough to act like adults, so we don't need the "us vs. them" bs quite as much any more."
"Craig Giffen @ 22
February 12th, 2009 18:34
For me it was the fact that I just got older. I rode with CM for a few years starting in 1997, but all the small groups of people running red lights and snaking though cars started to feel a bit counterproductive. I felt out of place and stopped going."
"Andrew Holtz @ 30
February 13th, 2009 09:47
I agree with those who say that the era of Critical Mass has passed. It's an adolescent kind of thing, and cycling in Portland has matured."
More...
I think that is a great idea and have often wondered why they don't. That video posted called "What Happened to CM in Portland" @ 40 http://bikeportland.org/2009/02/15/movie… features some good comments:
"JMM @ 8
February 12th, 2009 13:09
Here's another vote for no longer relevant. "Mainstream" in Portland and "mainstream" elsewhere are almost different beyond comparision (sic). Critical mass these days is tainted by the increasing percentage of people that participate just to make life difficult for others. And that is missing the point."
Another:
"cyclist @ 18
February 12th, 2009 16:24
I'm very, very happy CM is gone, they did more to engender dislike of cyclists than they did to gain us traction in the community.
Critical mass brought a lot of the "fuck shit up" contingent out of the woodwork. They were more or less looking for a confrontation, and after a while they got one. I did it once and that was enough for me. It feels like the cycling community has grown up enough to act like adults, so we don't need the "us vs. them" bs quite as much any more."
"Craig Giffen @ 22
February 12th, 2009 18:34
For me it was the fact that I just got older. I rode with CM for a few years starting in 1997, but all the small groups of people running red lights and snaking though cars started to feel a bit counterproductive. I felt out of place and stopped going."
"Andrew Holtz @ 30
February 13th, 2009 09:47
I agree with those who say that the era of Critical Mass has passed. It's an adolescent kind of thing, and cycling in Portland has matured."
66
@52: thanks. hearing that CM is meant to be showy fun rather than grand advocacy helps to put it in lighter perspective. because, honestly, the fun looks a lot more effective than the advocacy that a lot of commenters seem to be placing on it.
68
Heard you guys rode to Alki today. As long as you stayed off the freeway, I can live with that.
Be cool (i.e. don't be assholes) while riding, and as long as the rides focus on having fun along not-so-heavy traffic routes instead of clogging a street and sticking it to somebody, I think we can live with CM.
Be cool (i.e. don't be assholes) while riding, and as long as the rides focus on having fun along not-so-heavy traffic routes instead of clogging a street and sticking it to somebody, I think we can live with CM.
69
"When I drive, I hate pedestrians. When I walk, I hate drivers. No matter what the fuck I’m doing, I always hate cyclists." - Anonymous
71
"Cars are the #1 cause of death for people under 45. "
Man that sucks. Go, cancer!
Critical Mass annoys because the only people who think it's a good idea is self-righteous assholes. But in a place like Seattle, that's the majority of the population.
'
Man that sucks. Go, cancer!
Critical Mass annoys because the only people who think it's a good idea is self-righteous assholes. But in a place like Seattle, that's the majority of the population.
'
72
What'd I say? - dude u cum up in my hood and say dat bs my man niko will whack at you. u best stay where you are what?? bremello??? new it!!! cant handle it.
73
I think all the nasty comments are from a bunch of fat jealous f*cks with shrunken brains and shrunken testicles.
74
I'd love to see these anti-CM blowhards come out for a ride and, you know, check it out from the inside.
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