Mass arrests 'Critical Mass' cycle ride during Olympics opening

[dellzeqq]

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

actually I don't think it had a definite aim. It was, as far as I recall, as much about having a place to fark within walking distance of the city as it was a protest about aristos owning the countryside. I doubt that one in a hundred of the trespassers thought 'let's have a national park'.

Somewhere upthread I've suggested that that CM isn't a monolithic thing, doesn't have clearly articulated aims (and is none the worse for that) but that CMers generally have a visceral antipathy to the supremacy of the motorvehicle and would like our streets to be more various and joyful. And the name on the packet suggests that if there are enough of us we'll matter. As we do on CS7

 

[MissTillyFlop]

I think just getting lots and lots of cyclists on the roads does this. Like "they" did in the oft-quoted changes in Copenhagen. Like "they" have done in London. But as I said, I think most have no problem with Critical Mass, just with the bizarre timing of this "procession". (sorry about the quote marks)

^ That

 

[dellzeqq]

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

I don't, but I'm prepared to look it up.

Before you get stuck in to your dinner - answer me this. Would you rather cycle in Edinburgh or Glasgow? It's not a trick question - I would just like to know

 

[pubrunner]

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

I don't see that anyone could argue with that point.

 

[MissTillyFlop]

actually I don't think it had a definite aim. It was, as far as I recall, as much about having a place to **** within walking distance of the city as it was a protest about aristos owning the countryside. I doubt that one in a hundred of the trespassers thought 'let's have a national park'.

Somewhere upthread I've suggested that that CM isn't a monolithic thing, doesn't have clearly articulated aims (and is none the worse for that) but that CMers generally have a visceral antipathy to the supremacy of the motorvehicle and would like our streets to be more various and joyful. And the name on the packet suggests that if there are enough of us we'll matter. As we do on CS7

Cs7 is rubbish though. I feel safer going over elephant & castle roundabout - too quiet for a lone female at night.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I think just getting lots and lots of cyclists on the roads does this. Like "they" did in the oft-quoted changes in Copenhagen. Like "they" have done in London. But as I said, I think most have no problem with Critical Mass, just with the bizarre timing of this "procession". (sorry about the quote marks)

would that be a critical mass of cyclists?

 

[Pat "5mph"]

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

I would love that too, but think this will be a long time coming in our busy towns.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

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.

I do not agree. Many drivers drive in a selfish and inconsiderate manner much of the time and most fail UTTERLY to follow the HC on dealing with vulnerable road users. And urban speed limits are too hiigh. imo ime

 

[dellzeqq]

Cs7 is rubbish though. I feel safer going over elephant & castle roundabout - too quiet for a lone female at night.

there's ten thousand cyclists who disagree with you on a daily basis (although the bit around the back of E+C is crap)

 

[MissTillyFlop]

would that be a critical mass of cyclists?

But just because you have done good in the past doesn't my excuse you from any wrongdoing you commit afterward.

 

[dellzeqq]

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.

let's hope you're not doing jury service any time soon........

 

[GrumpyGregry]

They have a proud history in Stratford.

Well the Met/BTP didn't exactly cover themselves in glory either so lets call it a score draw.

My money is on zero prosecutions or a number approaching zero. Which is an abuse of the power of arrest.

 

[MissTillyFlop]

A

there's ten thousand cyclists who disagree with you on a daily basis (although the bit around the back of E+C is crap)

And the jump across the Junction at Oval?

Just because they use it, doesn't mean they think it's great. I use it. Almost every day. I still think it's crap. Same with the gas company.

 

[middleagecyclist]

actually I don't think it had a definite aim. It was, as far as I recall, as much about having a place to **** within walking distance of the city as it was a protest about aristos owning the countryside. I doubt that one in a hundred of the trespassers thought 'let's have a national park'.

Benny Rothman and his compatriots objected to the fact vast tracts of land were not open to them and set out to deliberately trespass to signal this objection. National Parks followed as a consequence but they were not the aim. Which bit of the public highway are CM rides attempting to reclaim?

I can certainly sympathize with making cyclists and cycling more routine, everyday and mainstream but object when thuggish behaviour by some can be used to denigrate me just because I cycle. I feel the same about RLJing cyclists for the same reason.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I would love that too, but think this will be a long time coming in our busy towns.

increase fuel duty to punitive levels. That will sort it in a week.