[*BCM*] Solidarity Rides in addition to Critical Mass

[Anne Wolfe]

Personally, I think this is a fabulous idea and I'd throw my full
support behind it.  But I wouldn't personally try to poach riders from
CM.  The people on the list who'd be interested would show, those who
wouldn't be interested would do something else.  I'd be more
interested in getting back the people like myself who came to CM to be
a positive force for bike advocacy and change and were put off by the
aggro,.


On Tue, 08 Mar 2005 07:33:30 -0500, Thomas John Vitolo <tjvitolo at bu.edu> wrote:
> Paul, Anne, others:
> 
> I was sure this discussion would lead to positive change, and it's starting to!
>  Awesome!
> 
> Some ideas about solidarity rides have come up: Mem drive, bus lane, etc.  I
> think that these could really help to bring focus on specific issues bicyclists
> have, and, done in a well organized manner, could really raise public awareness
> for specific issues.
> 
> What's nice about solidarity rides is that they're designed to be completely
> legal -- riding only where right-of-way permits, etc.  So, organize them!  Let
> everybody know (a) the reasoning for the ride (b) the rules (this ain't no CM!),
> (c) the reasoning for the ride, (d) and the precise route, then, once you've got
> a pretty good idea if you've got enough people, (e) let both the local news and
> (f) the city of Boston know your plans.
> 
> If you want the "power" of CM without the negativity, this sounds like the way
> to go.  I might even "poach" riders from CM... go on a few rides, and keep your
> eyes open for the riders who you think would behave themselves and follow "the
> rules" for your ride.
> 
> So, since I don't believe that most CMers are hell-bent on their way being the
> only way, I really think you could get a lot of support from the CM group to
> accomplish __your__ objective, __your__ way.
> 
> I hope you persue this.
> 
>  - Tommy V
> 
> Quoting Jon Niehof <jon_niehof at yahoo.com>:
> 
> > > Another idea: a Solidarity Ride on Memorial Drive and maybe
> > > the Columbus/Tremont Speedway in honor of Peter Rowinsky and
> > > Scott Jenney and all other bicyclists who have been arrested
> > > for the crime of riding a bicycle where it is legal to ride.
> >
> > Excellent idea, Paul; I'd certainly join that. (Aside: I have
> > been meaning to come out and join the Mass sometime, just for
> > firsthand experience and judgement. I promise to redouble my
> > efforts).
> >
> > Maybe some CM'ers would like to pick this one up and organize it
> > locally:
> > http://www.rideofsilence.org/
> > if you're looking for a slow, legally-abiding ride that has the
> > potential to send a powerful message. I simply don't have the
> > time to organize it myself.
> >
> >
> >
> >
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> >
> 
> Thomas John Vitolo
> Ph D Systems Engineering Candidate,
> Boston University
> 
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> 


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