[*BCM*] Fwd: [massbike] Open letter to the Cycling Community

[David Atkins]

I have never been able to ride with CM but have been around and aware of its
existence since I lived in San Francisco when it started. But this open
letter, however well-intentioned, fails to understand the organic and
unstoppable nature of the mass, not to mention the loosely-defined "cycling
community." I will make every effort to participate in the next Critical
Mass ride.

On Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 2:15 PM, john saylor <js0000 at gmail.com> wrote:

> hey
>
> this was just posted on mass-bike. i do not agree with his conclusion.
>
> maybe some people here will speak back ...
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Thomas A. Fine
> Date: Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 2:08 PM
> Subject: [massbike] Open letter to the Cycling Community
> To: MassBike GoogleList <massbike at googlegroups.com>
>
>
>
>
> Critical Time for Critical Mass
> An Open letter to the Cycling Community
>
> This is a good time to be a cyclist.  Cycling has been on the upswing for
> years now, even decades.  Cycling for both recreation and transportation
> are becoming more mainstream.  With increasing gas prices, we've lately
> been graced with with scores of feel-good cycling stories.
>
> And then there's Critical Mass.
>
> We all know what Critical Mass is, and we're all vaguely familiar with
> the idea of it.  In theory, cycling will succeed if cars get used to
> sharing the streets.
>
> But all too often, theory does not meet reality.  We've all seen the
> news stories.  They focus on arrests, on illegal acts by cyclists and
> drivers, even violence.  Yes, only a few Critical Mass rides wind up like
> this, but lets face it - when was the last time you read a positive
> story about Critical Mass?
>
> The time for debate is over.  One might argue that not all of these
> rides are bad.  One might argue the details of the news stories, and
> their bias against cyclists.  To those who will inevitably quibble over
> such things: stop!  Stop looking at the trees, and take look at the
> forest we've grown.  It's a forest of bad press for cyclists.  A forest
> of animosity from the general public towards cyclists.
>
> In the mind of the general public, the phrase "Critical Mass" brings to
> mind images of thugs and bullies.  Critical Mass supporters can deny
> that this is what Critical Mass rides are all about.  But they can
> hardly deny that this linkage now exists in the minds of the public.
>
> We can not continue to make progress in acceptance of cycling as long
> as we have a steady stream of bad press and animosity arising
> apparently from within our own community.  So we must remove the source
> from our community.
>
> Some could argue that we could work to redeem the Critical Mass rides.
> But it's a fool's errand.  The time and effort it would take to redeem
> those two words would be far better spent building new institutions
> that will serve us into the future.
>
> So, the time has come for the majority of cyclists to stand up and speak,
> and divorce ourselves from the embarrassment that Critical Mass has
> become.  Critical Mass must be denounced in the strongest of language.
> Within the community, we must make it clear that these rides are no
> longer in fashion.  And outside the community, we must make it clear
> that these people do not represent us.  They are not us.  They are not
> cyclists.
>
> There are those who will insist that it is wrong to be critical of
> Critical Mass, because cyclists should stick together and not turn
> on each other.  Tolerance within a community is a wonderful value
> which can in many cases strengthen the community.  But, in case this
> is not completely obvious, tolerance can not apply to that which
> is intolerable.
>
> This is not to say that a group ride is not a viable political tool.
> Far from it.  But the nature of these rides must change substantially.
> There is a growing number of "Courteous Mass" rides (by that name, or
> others) throughout the country.  Such rides focus on following the
> laws, and courteously sharing the roads.  Perhaps a defining
> characteristic of these rides is that they are NOT ad hoc, guerilla
> affairs.  There is an actual real organization, willing to accept
> responsibility for these rides.
>
> To the many good-hearted cyclists who have proudly participated in
> Critical Mass rides in the past, thank you for your efforts in
> trying to do something to promote cycling.  Please try to recognize
> the problems that exist in these rides today, and the damage that they
> are doing to our reputation.  And then let go of your emotional
> attachment to the ride, and cast it off, as you would the shirt you
> once loved, until you finally realized how dorky it looked.
>
> Here are the specific actions the cycling community should take:
>
> 1. The name "Critical Mass" should now be dead to the cycling
> community.  It is too tainted to be of any use to us now.  Do not use
> it for a ride you organize.  Do not participate in rides which are
> called by this name.
>
> 2. Publicly denounce all future Critical Mass rides, and all those who
> participate in them.  We each should individually speak out, but more
> importantly, cycling organizations should speak out, issuing press
> release stating opposition to these rides whenever the need arises.
>
> 3. All rides, and especially those with a political message or a goal
> of promoting cycling, must be sponsored.  There must be some individual
> or organization who is willing to take responsibility for the ride,
> for setting the rules, for enforcing the rules, and for issuing statements
> to the press.
>
> 4. All group rides should ride in a lawful manner, and in a respectful
> manner.  Large groups must manage their numbers such that they meld
> as seamlessly with other traffic as is possible.
>
> 5. Ride organizers must be prepared to handle unruly drivers.  These
> things will happen, and they must be handled responsibly, in cooperation
> with the police.  Make no attempts to detain unruly drivers, even if they
> have clearly committed a crime.  Document incidents as well as possible,
> with witness statements, license plate numbers, driver descriptions,
> and photographs and video if possible.
>
> 6. Ride organizers must be prepared to handle unruly cyclists.  If
> cyclists are riding with you but not following the rules laid down,
> or are being disruptive or disrespectful, ask them to leave your
> group.  If they refuse to leave your ride, you may choose to call the
> police to stop their harassing behavior.  Alternatively, you can
> simply end your ride.  This may feel like "losing", but in reality
> it is maintaining the control you desire over the character of your
> ride.  It is a clear demonstration that some behaviors will not be
> tolerated, and it deprives troublemakers of their power.
>
> tom
>
> Thomas A. Fine
> Cambridge, Massachusetts
>
>
> --
> \js [ http://or8.net/~johns/ <http://or8.net/%7Ejohns/> ]
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-- 
Dave Atkins
http://blog.davewrites.com
http://westwoodblog.org
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