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Critical Mass Ride -I have my doubts
Hi, I'm the distribution rep for the Cycle Campaign out Holme Hall / Linacre Woods / Newbold way, and have been a CCC member for 7 years or so I think! Time flys!! P.S. I always do my "round" by cycle.
Just wanted to say 2 positive and 1 controversial thing about the campaign's work.
1. It is great to see the campaign go from strength to strength, and things are getting much better for cyclist in the town.
2. The benefit of having cycle infrastructure should not be underestimated. The fact that the campaign pressed and got two toucan crossings and cycle space around Lidal & West Bars roundabout is a real blessing. Before I would have put my kids in the car for a trip to Queens Park and the Town Centre. Now I will allow them to travel on their bikes the 1 1/2 miles each way unattended without the worry of the "West Bars dash". Also the toucan crossing at Walton Road. This route has allowed them to get to Walton Dam etc without the worry of the parents..
3. I am concerned about the critical mass ride, it's aims and objectives. I'm concerned it may do more harm than good in terms of none cyclists approval and sympathy. Is the intention to ride en-mass along main road arteries?? Can anyone summarise its purpose for me??
My view is...
It may raise awareness to some local car commuters of the practicality of cycling to /from work. Also, it may raise awareness for the need of further infrastructure for cyclists, as you will be in close proximity to vehicle traffic at this busy time. However I am concerned that it may be viewed as obstructive by some and, as a consequence loose us support. Not all commuters work locally and don't have the opportunity to commute by cycle. I fall into that category. I would become frustrated if I had to negotiate a long column of cyclist on a Friday night! But maybe that says more about me than society?
Many cyclists like myself are also car / van /lorry commuters who I suspect would find a column of cyclists at this time frustrating.. If a critical mass ride took place say on Saturday, starting at Queens Park or the Town Centre, where maximum exposure is assurred, then I believe this would be so much more effective. People are not rushing home from work; for most its a more leisurely time where they may take note of the statement being made by the ride and may reflect on it much more. Maybe they will then give cycling a go. Friday 5:30pm,,, most people are hurrying home after a hard weeks work. They won't give you a second thought. So in a nut shell it is my opinion that any critical mass event should be moved to Saturday say 2pm Town Centre start for maximum effect. Theexcellent family rides the Campaign currently offers go along way to addressing this and must do much more to promote the cause than the planned Friday event ever will.
Also, for most people, joining the ride on Friday at 5:30pm is rather impractical, and in some ways hints at rather an insular "small world view" of the campaign's planning.
Please feel free to comment /educate me.
We are and remain faithfull members of CCC, Geoff Knight and family
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critical mass discussion
Hello Geoff (and others)
We went ahead with the critical mass ride yesterday and had 40 people turn up for it, which was quite impressive. As it turned out, the roads were surprisingly quiet, and I think even 40 of us barely caused any obstruction to traffic.
I think it's a very valid concern that a critical mass ride could do more damage than good, but for me the intention wasn't to cause any major blockage or annoyance, more to make our presence felt. The fact that 40 people turned out for it shows that there is some genuine grassroots support for the idea. The atmosphere was not at all agressive, but celebratory and fun.
As far as I know, most (maybe all) people who went on the ride had a good time, felt empowered by riding as a big group, and thought they would do it again. There were several suggestions of how we could do it differently or better in future.
- should it be a regular event? motorists could have advance warning, cyclists could come out reguarly, but might not be enough energy to sustain regular ride
- might have more impact if there was more publicity/explanation of the purpose
- might be better to ride in a more disciplined way - in pairs rather than a general herd
- might be good to tell everyone the route in advance in case the group gets split up (though the route might change as we ride)
- might be good to have 'marshalls' to help everyone get through the traffic lights as a whole group
- might be better to hold it on Saturday because it would be busier then, although perhaps it would wind people up more if it was a busier time
- turn out will be very weather dependent
- might be good to have several a year, on special dates like bike week and car free day
- would be nice to have some sort of event before or after - tea and cake etc
- could try out different routes and/or tie it in with more specific campaigns - eg for better cycle parking at Morrisons or the hospital.
Perhaps it's something to experiment with - see what works best, what people want to be part of, listen to all the different opinions and hopefully have some fun! There are some photos of the ride on a facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=16857463018#/group.php?gid=1852771...
Jessie
Critical Mass
Just a small point but the Critical Mass didn't have an organiser, just a group of people choosing to cycle together along a road, that way it remains a little more on the legal side. I know that is perhaps thought to be a rather silly point to make but it should be understood.
As one who took part in the ride I was surprised by the lack of traffic, we had Markham Road almost to ourselves, I think the most disruption to traffic was probably on the Donut roundabout and Saltergate. That is no excuse - just an observation. I was also surprised by the number of cars that waved or hooted at us (in celebration I might add).
Rather than 'small world' thinking the ride took place on Friday evening as this is the traditional time throughout the world for Critical Mass rides.
I agree that it may intimidate some and that perhaps a better demonstration would be to show others how practical a bike can be for local transport but how do we do this? Morrisons is a potential 'target' for a mass ride favoured by some because of their poor cycle parking next to the 'smokers area' (an ash tray fixed to the wall!). Should a group of us descend on Morrisons and all shop there, hand out leaflets etc? Would 40 people turn up for that? Is this a better thing to do? Lets have your ideas.
Everybody I spoke to after the Critical Mass had enjoyed it and was keen to do it again.
September 22nd is European Car Free Day (called In Town Without My Car in this country). Last year it was a Saturday and the Campaign urged all members to cycle into town that day, I certainly did and didn't see any noticable increase in the number of bikes. This year it is a Monday, I have tried to get the Borough Council to celebrate the day in the traditional style by closing off a street but there is no enthusiasm (any interuption to the flow of traffic will harm the town!). With enough notice could we have a run into town for a cyclists breakfast, the Campaign could have a stall during the day and another run 'home' in the evening - who's up for that?