Indymedia YorkDecember Critical Mass Image - Fishergate Gyratory
Posted December 1st, 2006 by ekes
Date:
1 Dec 2006
The mass heads round the Fishergate Gyratory
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Critical Mass bike rides
I took part in the critical mass bike ride in December, which went pretty smoothly. However, I do strongly believe that a clearer set of aims objectives needs to be given at the start of the ride in order to avoid any unwanted mishaps which can be dangerous for cyclists' safely and which can be bad publicity. I am sure most cyclists know the highway code, but many do not because it is not a necessary requirement when you learn to ride a bike. Merely stating the rules at the start of the ride would make sure that everyone is clear of them. An individual in a group of people feels far more confident to do what he/she wants than when on his/her own. This can be a very good thing but it can also easily be abused if clear rules and objectives are not laid out.
I suggest this only because I believe that the cycle rides are able to have such a positive influence. Therefore, as much as possible should be done to avoid them getting bad publicity. The idea is surely to encourage drivers to cycle instead, and not to aggravate drivers?
(Just another thought I had: I believe cyclists are supposed to cycle two a-breast maximum - wouldn't that be far more effective if it were carried out on the cycle rides because the law would be being followed, and it would in fact be far more influencial on drivers because a long line of cyclists is far harder to overtake than a group of cyclists all a-breast. It would also make the group more noticeable if it stretched on for a few hundred metres!)
Thank you for setting up the cycle rides! You've done a good job. I am only suggesting some improvements.
Massing and Rules
You're right a Critical Mass should be an enjoyable ride, and I hope you continue to take part in them. I also agree that the York ride in December went smoothly, it's the only York one I've had a chance to see (so far).
I'm not really sure what 'rules' could be read out at the start of a Mass, or even if they would be appropriate. Massing rides are not dictated quite like that. Its much like how the route is decided on the way by the participants.
Of course each different Critical Mass builds it's own culture and can work together to make this what riders do.
So better work on specifics:
I agree about not antagonising drivers... the riders who are 'corking' in York with their 'Thank You' signs, and even leaflets, are a brilliant example of this.
There is a line in the Highway Code that says riders 'should' ride no more than two abreast. This is not the law of the road. It is also inappropriate for a Mass - which works best as just that, a 'one vehicle' mass. Strung out it makes it vulnerable to motorists cutting into it - which is dangerous. More generally on the Highway Code while it includes traffic law the rest is guidance, and often not to great for everyday cycling let alone Massing [cycle lanes and roundabouts spring to mind immediately].