seattle Critical Mass next friday. get them bikes out!

[derrickito]

Critical Mass is next friday, im doing my part flyering, posterizing, and hollering about it to get people out there this month. I dont post on wetcanvas alot, but i read the forums here all the time, wanted to get the word out on this to anyone here that lives in or around seattleish area

If you've never heard of critical mass, it's a worldwide event that happens in most major cities once a month. Last Friday of every month rain or shine, bikers meet up in westlake center by the fountain at 530, then take over seattle city streets in an effort to show the public that there are other forms of transportation besides fossil fueled engine power (YAY HUMAN POWERED!).

Streets were designed for TRANSPORTATION and that should never be limited to fuel powered engines.

We get a little crazy, we ride for an hour or two showing people that there are other things to watch out for on the road, and just celebrate something other than the car.

its a kick *** good time, and if anyone wants more information its at seattle critical mass (www.seattlecriticalmass.org)

last friday of the month (next friday) 530. say hi if you go down there, ill be there. drinking pabst on my bike dressed up like santa claus

http://derrickito.com/photoalbum/2004_05_28_criticalmass/IMG_0890.jpg

[SanDL]

Great idea! Wish I could be there.

[prairie painter]

Wow, I'd never heard of this one. Bikes are Waaaaaay more reasonable than a monorail!!!! :clap:

[Enchanted]

Wow, I'd never heard of this one.

The "critical mass" events are nothing more than training grounds for anarchists! Bicycling has been coopted as another means of creating "mass traffic" problems in those cities that tolerate this nonsense. :evil:

[derrickito]

mass traffic problems are already there, look around you when you're sitting in traffic next time and look at all the 2000 pound cans with engines each with one driver hogging up space and resources

getting people to the realization of that not being necessary is worth it in my opinion. 200 people on bikes using a road at the same time might chime off some bells into people's heads that there are better ways to travel

i drive 1/4 of the amount that i used to now, im on a bike all the time instead of hopping in a car for a short trip somewhere.

every time you see a bike you should be happy, you should be happy that the little space that biker is taking up is one less car on the road, one less car that you will have to wait behind at a red light, one less piece of congestion slowing down the traffic system. not to mention one person being more healthy, taking less away from the system in regards of medical problems by weighing less and taking care of themselves better, and using less resources that are costly in terms of money and blood for oil.

and no, im not a hippy.

:)

[prairie painter]

And in most other places, riding one's bike is the main method of transport. But, riding in a car has immediately recognizable advantages, so making the switch usually takes something pretty dramatic. Certainly would reduce the obesity problem!
Then again, there are the factors of the majority of people who work in Seattle live in the surrounding, smaller towns and riding a bike to work isn't feasable. I suspect bikes & public transportation are much more doable on the East coast?
There are many, many things to account for, and not all bicyclers are leftists, nor are all car-riders irresponsible of the environment. (just the lone drivers in SUV's! :evil: )

[Enchanted]

mass traffic problems are already there:)

That's no reason to anger people by deliberately creating traffic jams at rush hour, as the "critter mess" people in Austin, TX were determined to do when I lived there. That does nothing but make those who are not bikers angry and accomplishes nothing by way of generating sympathy for bicyclers. In fact it might just get some bicycler endangered when one of those angered motorists decides to take it out on some poor innocent biker who never even heard of "critter messes."

As for bicycling as a means of transportation (and aerobic exercise), I rode my bike to work (7 miles each way) for years in the past, have taken two week vacation trips solo on a touring bike a dozen or so times, with all my camping gear in tow, and I still ride a bike regularly for up to two hours a day, three days a week, just for the enjoyment. I own four bikes at the moment, two for road riding and two that are ATB version which I use for traveling forest trails where I live. But I would never think of joining the "critters" making their "mess." :p

[derrickito]

well some people have different opinions on what works and what doesnt.

im for a little more of a in your face approach.
:)

[prairie painter]

im for a little more of a in your face approach.
:)
Why?
:confused:

[derrickito]

why?

people demonstrate and congregate to show their support for a cause, prove something, or show themselves to the greater public as a large group that stand behind something with enough emotion to want to speak out about it.

congregation and demonstrations are basic tools used by people throughout the centuries to make social changes and raise awareness on issues

my apoligies if our social conscious and positive ideals make you a few moments late for something. god forbid something puts a speed bump on your 30mph downtown experience :)

[prairie painter]

Nah, you won't make me late for anything. I'm a bit south of where you will be doing your thing. But if your right to demonstrate and make your opinion known crosses over to violating someone else's right to get to work on time, that is not appropriate statement making, and will only be viewed as disruptive by the reporters at KIRO. Can't you make your, very valid, statement respectfully? I'd think you would get better press at any rate.

[derrickito]

a little disruption isnt a bad thing, for a good cause.

and im not sure anyone is really entitled to "rights of not being late" :)




anyways, hope to see some of the people here out there.. and this has been a good little discussion:)