🚀 go-pugleaf

 "shawn bega" <rsrd62@yahoo.com> wrote:
> i just want to make clear that this friday's crit mass is in no
> way associated with the monthly solidarity ride
[snip]

> it is  the opinion of the dcbca that traffic jamming bike rides
> are detrimental to the pro-cyclist movement.

Large groups and/or demonstrations definitely get people's attention.
I'm glad the DCBCA does not promote the protest type of ride.  As you
note, sometimes that attention doesn't get the results we'd like.

I've often wondered if instead of a Mass-style ride, People just get
out there and bike someplace during an agreed upon timeslot (5-6pm
Fridays?).  Travel with a friend or two or three.  Choose a route where
you are more visible to cars.  Carry your helmet into your favorite
shop as your badge of solidarity.  "Park" your bike in the front of
your destination, instead of the back of the parking lot, is a way to
show how convenient bikes are.

There are lots of people in the greater DC area that use a bicycle for
transportation at least part of the time.  Getting them out at the same
time every week, on more visible routes than our typical back street,
so the bikes are visible, making sure we obey traffic regulations, will
get us more acceptability than anger producing Critical Mass traffic
blocking rides.

A few years ago, Nancy Taylor wrote to Dr Gridlock saying that auto
drivers when seeing cyclists with the One Less Car t-shirts, should
think One More Parking Space [for their vehicle].  Having more
people cycle is an advantage to everyone, even those who think
bicyclists have a screw loose.  It is really sad that the cyclists have
instead become vilified and are perceived to be a threat to society
by both motorists and pedestrians).

Just my thoughts,

--
Marilyn Geary
Arlington VA


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