Critical Mass is great in theory, but not so much in practice.
It is fun, and I can't negate that. I show up pretty regularly actually because I can't resist an excuse to take a slow ride through the city and ring my bell with a bunch of other bike lovers...
BUT the anarchist element, combined with an angsty attitude toward cars, causes things to go terribly wrong more often than not. With no one in charge to keep people in line, things deteriorate rapidly almost every time.
Now I will do some preaching about my theory on bicycles:
Bikes are a wonderful, sustainable, affordable, and fun way to get around town. Cars use gas and destroy the environment. Okay, we're all clear on this. But let's face it, for the rest of our time on this planet, people will be driving cars of some kind on the roads AND people (hopefully in growing numbers) will be riding bikes on those same roads. Cyclists and drivers need to learn to get along.
A lot of drivers get pissed at cyclists because they swerve in and out of cars, don't stop at lights and stop signs, and don't wear visible attire. All of these things are legitimate complaints. And cyclists get pissed at drivers because well, first of all, they are in cars. Plus, they open their car doors on us, turn into us, and general fail to notice our existence and respect our right to share the road. Also reasonable.
But people! The solution is not cursing each other out! We've got to share the road, like it or not!!!
I joined Critical Mass many years ago out in Eugene, Oregon, and then rejoined again in Boston last year, because I wanted to be part of a movement to raise bicycle awareness. Unfortunately, Critical Mass, in my humble opinion, fails to accomplish this goal, and instead tends to turn into a crew of cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road, stopping traffic, banging on the hoods of cars, and generally pissing people off. There's a lot of anger and downright resentment involved, and it just ain't right.
So-- I'm working on starting some kind of casual bike crew this spring, based out of my 'hood in Somerville. The goal is going to be to get out riding with other bike lovers, ride at a social speed, and follow the rules of the road, all while having some spontaneous dance parties, dressing up in weird costumes, and just showing everyone how awesome, responsible, and respectful we can be all at the same time. What a novel idea! ;-) read more
