Critical Mass discussion

Comment

Comment by Jason W on August 2, 2011 at 11:03am

Again, it sounds like every other story I have heard. First, we are supposed to lend more credence to his story because he commutes or rides, or once owned a bike or whatever (who cares!). Who cares if you had a off list conversation with him? That's still just one side of the story. Did you talk to the person who punched his mirror? And if you don't ride critical mass, then why are you here? It seems like your motivation is the same as this guy.

 

BTW, my experience with critical mass is that the vast majority of people who see the mass cheer us on, or are indifferent. Then there is the road raging asshole minority, which is directly proportional to the road raging minority that is always out there. They hate bikes, pedestrians, other drivers who "get in their way", this, that, and the other thing. Those people acting the way they do is NOT the fault of critical mass. Quit blaming the mass!

 

And who cares if a couple of college kids get out of hand? The mass is not responsible for them either! Do not apologize for them! You are just reinforcing that all cyclists should be blamed for the behavior of a few, which is part of the cycling hate hypocrisy. (for some reason when a driver is out of line, that's just one individual, but when a cyclist is out of line they are all to blame).

Comment by David of the North (David606xx) on August 2, 2011 at 10:18am

I suck, sure, but that's not why.  :-)

 

It wasn't automatic, I had a discussion with this guy off list.  He's a bike commuter who once in a while uses a car when he has to, just like me.

 

"My own people" sometimes drive, usually ride, but above all else, MY people move through this world in a way that helps everyone get where they need to go safe and sound and with as little unnecessary hassle as we can manage for one another.  With a smile, not a fist.

 

I've taken a year or two off riding with Critical Mass over the years in part because I get tired of apologizing to motorists who have a legitimate beef with the minority young meathead kids drunk on the mob and mad that they were too young to smash windows in Seattle.  I do more to advance cycling every day by chatting with cabs and cagers at red lights than all the self indulgent fist waving I see on a typical mass.  We've got to lure these folks out of their cages, and honey is statistically more effective than vinegar.

 

Make them SEE us, then make them want to BE us.

Comment by Jason W on August 2, 2011 at 9:36am

I smell bullshit coming off this a mile away. So this guy is just being a courteous motorist, and some evil cyclist comes and breaks his mirror? riiiiggghhhtttt.... I have heard these fabrications way too many times to believe it. (usually they end up being emailed to Steven at the CCM.org website). As we all know Damen is a small two lane, and there probably wasn't room for the mass and this asshole. He probably just decided to plow through anyway and someone broke his mirror for it. Good for them.

 

I'm sure the lady that knocked the cyclist off his bike and parked her Black Lexus SUV (license plate #A93 3344) on his rear wheel tells the same bullshit story as this guy to all her friends and the hate for cyclists grows. The truth is she drove at least a block on the wrong side of the street because she got tired of waiting for traffic. She then turns with the mass and eventually plows into this guy. Total fucking road rage psychopath.

 

And I have to say you guys suck for automatically taking the drivers side instead of your own people. You are spreading the hate for cyclists by being complacent to these assholes and their fabrications.

Comment by spacemodular on August 2, 2011 at 12:58am

I don't necessarily think the jerks on bikes are exclusively on fixies. I kind of laugh when I see people who ride on the mass get arrested and/or ticketed for doing stupid obvious illegal activities. I really think the city should make our Critical Mass a major tourist attraction. It is a fun rolling bike party and most of us are well behaved and out for a good time. We should promote it as the best Critical Mass ride in North America!

Comment by David of the North (David606xx) on August 1, 2011 at 5:05pm

Yup--same guy, he just replied to me.  I think he's warming up to us a little.  Gonna see if he wants to ride sometime.  Look out fixie-douches, we're coming for you!

Comment by David of the North (David606xx) on August 1, 2011 at 4:17pm

too late--sent him an email already.  Maybe flooding him with offers to do the right thing will make a point, though.

 

One thing I've said again and again--I HATE it when someone on a Mass makes me apologize to an angry driver!

 

Comment by h' Zerocats on August 1, 2011 at 4:13pm

I already offered-- he was appreciative but does not want money from anyone not directly responsible.

I'm not sure this is the same guy.

Comment by David of the North (David606xx) on August 1, 2011 at 4:03pm

ok, seen this guy's email on the listsrv, and I think he's got a good point.  I'll kick in $5.00 towards replacing his mirror.  Who's with me?

 

Comment by h' Zerocats on July 29, 2011 at 1:06pm

Interesting idea-- the lakefront ought to be quite a spectacular place to watch these bizarre lightning storms we're having :-)

Comment by Bob Kastigar on July 29, 2011 at 1:05pm

Rather than south, at some point I plan to split off and head north to a beach.  Montrose?  Foster?

 

Anybody that wants to follow or lead, feel free.....

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