[*BCM*] The movement that divides us

[Anne Wolfe]

There isn't a major city in Europe that was designed and built with cars
in mind either.
 
If you ride better, it helps make it better for everyone.  If you drive
better, that also helps make it better for everyone.  As the song goes,
there may be clowns to the left, jokers to the right, but if you can
rise above it and be the better human being then you won't be just stuck
in the middle.  
 
The hard part of course is rising above it when you're tired, and your
boss has just chewed you out, and some idiot has double parked, it is
raining and some other idiot doesn't know what he's doing.  Again!
Still, that is ultimately the best way of sticking it to the man.  It is
hard to argue with someone who's acting nobly and complying with the
rules at the same time.

________________________________

From: bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org
[mailto:bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org] On Behalf Of
Justin Wong
Sent: 05 June 2006 18:10
To: 'Boston Critical Mass'
Subject: RE: [*BCM*] The movement that divides us 


I don't think it's realistic to compare Boston to other cities,
particularly European ones. Our city was not built with cars in mind,
let alone cars and bikes to share the road. We also have some of the
countries worst drivers here, this is reflected in the insurance rates.
Perhaps we all could ride better or drive better, but neither of those
things will make the streets any wider.

________________________________

From: bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org
[mailto:bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org] On Behalf Of
Anne Wolfe
Sent: Monday, June 05, 2006 12:43 PM
To: Boston Critical Mass
Subject: RE: [*BCM*] The movement that divides us 


In Amsterdam it is the pretty simple fact that the Dutch ride bikes (op
de fiets).  Everyone does.  It is easy, and it is flat, and there are
bike lanes everywhere.  
As for the rest of it, there's nothing wrong with swerving to avoid
danger.  If someone honks, they honk.  It doesn't mean you have to run a
red light (when no doubt the honker will be nowhere around to see it, or
for you to point out to him "that's because of you, that is."  So the
two are just unconnected acts.  
And personally, Lee, I love it when you wear the tight pants.  Don't
ever stop.

________________________________

From: bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org
[mailto:bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org] On Behalf Of
Lee Peters
Sent: 05 June 2006 17:35
To: Boston Critical Mass
Subject: Re: [*BCM*] The movement that divides us 


Oh, really.  We get honked at for swerving to avoid sewer grates,
avoiding double parked cars, riding on the street, avoiding doors,
avoiding potholes, avoiding puddles, riding slower than cars, turning
left, and wearing tight pants.  Should we stop doing all of that too?
 
What produced the palpable core of respect for bikes and their riders in
Berlin and Amsterdam?  Let's do that.
 
 
 

	----- Original Message ----- 
	From: Anne Wolfe <mailto:axw at michelmores.com>  
	To: Boston Critical Mass <mailto:list at bostoncriticalmass.org>  
	Sent: Monday, June 05, 2006 12:13 PM
	Subject: RE: [*BCM*] The movement that divides us 

	The eternal circle.  As the more you (and others) run the lights
and are disrespectful, the more you're going to get honked at, etc.
Someone has to take the first step - why can't it be you?

________________________________

	From: bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org
[mailto:bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org] On Behalf Of
Justin Wong
	Sent: 05 June 2006 17:04
	To: 'Boston Critical Mass'
	Subject: RE: [*BCM*] The movement that divides us 
	
	
	"As long as I'm getting honked at, told to get off the road,
doored, barnstormed, flipped off, and whatever, I'm going to run those
goddamned lights."
	
	   ^^^ My sentiments exactly!
	
	Justin



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