Mass arrests 'Critical Mass' cycle ride during Olympics opening

[dellzeqq]

I was set to join a local CM ride. I have been on a Bike Friday ride (even though it was not a commute for me and I had to get out of bed earlier than I otherwise needed). I haven't complained about CM rides and would happily put up with the disruption of a CM if driving (unlikely scenario though). I certainly do object to people trying to disrupt events and confront authority while giving cyclists a bad name with Joe Public. Can I not hold that view?

it's a free country! (Except if you're trying to ride in a Zil lane)

 

[dellzeqq]

From faaaar away, I guess: the first one is organized/crowd controlled - the second one is just spontaneous outburst of a crowd.

heaven save us from spontaneity!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Of course you may, but you're not being kettled for holding it!

But just as surely, most of the people who are sceptical about the "CM" ride on the opening night are probably not against the idea of CM itself, just the silliness of doing it then and there.

Aye, the "spontaneous" factor

 

[middleagecyclist]

it's a free country! (Except if you're trying to ride in a Zil lane)

Oh good. I got the idea I could only criticize aspects of CM if I was a fully fledged cycle campaigner. That's OK then.

 

[MissTillyFlop]

really? If people hadn't gone where they were not supposed to go there's be no National Parks. And no Shakespeare.

The Shakespeare being a poacher is one of many competing theories, which include his being a dresser at the theatre an a teacher. We din't know.

There is also a major difference between "going somewhere you're not meant to" an purposefully walking into trouble for the sake of it.

And the idea of teenagers having free reign is disgusting to me. They are children and should know their place.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

heaven save us from spontaneity!

Organization is the name of the game!
I know you are ironic here BTW

 

[middleagecyclist]

And the idea of teenagers having free reign is disgusting to me. They are children and should know their place.

Aye. Send 'em back down the mines!

 

[dellzeqq]

I was thinking more of the unlicensed performances south of the river. And the Kinder Scout thing (that's National Parks, not Shakespeare). Either way, people did stuff they were told not to, as CM has done many a time.

 

[toroddf]

I don't know, maybe Greg and DZ are right.
You are experienced cyclists, you want more now than just ride your bike, you want cars to aknowledge you as road users equal to them.
I think it will take time.

Count me in too if CM or any others want to arrange rides who promotes bike riding as an alternative to status quo. I do not want to join a bike ride who is just a stupid excuse for thuggery, "high jinks" and public disorder. That will just backfire on this just cause.

Another thing....... The London cabbies and other road users like flower shop owners has been far more disrupted in their work than we cyclist due to these zil/olympic lines than cyclists. Have they attacked police officers over this ? How many of them has been arrested and been put on restraining orders ? My guess is less than 182 despite of these really suffering financial hardship because of the zil lanes.

 

[middleagecyclist]

I was thinking more of the unlicensed performances south of the river. And the Kinder Scout thing (that's National Parks, not Shakespeare). Either way, people did stuff they were told not to, as CM has done many a time.

The Kinder Scout trespass had a definite aim. What aim does CM have?

 

[MissTillyFlop]

Aye. Send 'em back down the mines!

Too right! That'll learn em!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I don't know, maybe Greg and DZ are right.
You are experienced cyclists, you want more now than just ride your bike, you want cars to aknowledge you as road users equal to them.
I think it will take time.

I want car drivers to drive in a way that inexperienced cyclists are safe, and feel safe, on our roads.

 

[MissTillyFlop]

heaven save us from spontaneity!

Have the spontaneity, just be aware that are consequences to everything that you do and be prepared to deal with them when they arrive rather than blaming everyone else.

 

[middleagecyclist]

I want car drivers to drive in a way that inexperienced cyclists are safe, and feel safe, on our roads.

I heartily wish for the same. Most drivers do drive reasonably I feel. It only takes the occasional muppet and subjective fear that spoils it. Trouble is that's enough to put off so many from cycling as a regular everyday activity. Don't have the complete answer i'm afraid.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

We all agree then: freedom of speach/action.
No doubt DZ will know who said "with freedoom come responsabilities" or something to that effect.
Me, I only wanna go about my business on my bike: hopefully nobody sees me riding to the shops and thinks "disruptive, anarchic slower down of motorized traffic"
On this note, it's dinner time