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Thread started by digablesoul at 11.4.09 - 4:19 pm
I know SF Critical Mass is alot bigger than LA but this just makes me take a closer look on the corking side of the rides. Obviously SF drivers wait longer than LA but still these are just some examples of how not to confront drivers at intersections. I'd be pissed if someone sat on my hood.
I agree with king borfo. People are always going to site CM as bicycle culture gone bad. Trying to paint the whole community is wrong but that is how it goes.
Foldie responding to a comment by Joe Borfo
11.4.09 - 4:26 pm
LA Critical Mass is much more civilized. They even stop at red lights sometimes letting all the traffic go first. Thankfully LA does not follow the SF rules.
okay. But from my experiences with LACM, it hasn't been much different.
I would like to see it change, but I'm beginning to doubt the whole nature of it. I could be wrong. I mean, I attended Chicago Critical mass this summer and it was really fun and courteous. There are several reasons why this is the case. I would tell people if they were interested, but it just doesn't seem like the "Leaders" of CM care to see the light.
I prefer late night rides that are pre-planned and organized, led by experienced riders who promote the use of road safety and keeping the ride together as a whole.
I don't think it is the fault of Midnight Ridazz. It's just a name that reflects that we are a community that promotes rides from this website in the spirit of fun and leaving no rider behind.
The people who are to blame are the inexperienced or hot headed confrontational pricks who come on the rides who have no regard for the image of the group that they represent. I really don't know the solution for these people. I have seen them change after time and become more respectful and aware of how to behave in a group. Some people just don't care at all and can not be trusted.
It's just the way it goes.
I really hope that LACM can improve its vibe and style. I have ideas of how it could work, but then I am not in charge, I am just a voice to try to influence others. I understand the ideals of Critical mass and i support them. I just have come to believe that it ultimately leads to an attitude that creates confrontation. If we want to make harmony with the minds of non cyclists we need to try to lure them in with fun and safety rather than a don't tread on me attitude. i don't know. these are just my thoughts.
Joe Borfo responding to a comment by eddieboyinla
11.4.09 - 4:50 pm
I have been riding LACM for seven months now.
The so-called 'leaders' of LACM do not advocate or encourage riders to have confrontations with cars. No one talks about politics or anything like that. Everyone is just there to enjoy riding around the city. It's actually a good vibe.
But with 350 riders, and maybe five "leaders" it's tough to keep the whole group in check.
There are always a couple of troublemakers, but on the whole, everyone is just there to have fun. Borfo you should come out and ride though. I am sure everyone would appreciate your insight and assistance.;
Some people just don't give a fuck, including such "ride leaders."
I thought this SF Critical Mass video was really bad, and then I thought about our own Critical Mass and realized it's just as bad.
Do you guys remember the RWNN that promoted safe riding? The one that promoted riding on the proper side of the street, etc? I think there should be a Critical Mass and People's Ride dedicated to that.
I've led the People's Ride a couple of times though, and it's very hard to get those riders to listen. EVEN IF YOU'RE ASKING POLITELY.
Ultimately, I keep getting disillusioned with CM and big group rides. It's a constant struggle to influence people to stay in check. That's been my take on it anyhow.
I wish there were easier solutions.
Joe Borfo responding to a comment by imachynna
11.4.09 - 5:12 pm
I understand how you feel. I think everyone feels that way at some point. That's why RWNN is a great ride, and it's also the reason I took Happy Friday all the way to Downey. Taking people 15 miles out of their safe space is a good way to keep them in check.
imachynna responding to a comment by Joe Borfo
11.4.09 - 5:16 pm
words change in meaning... thats why some are interested in etymology. Just because a word historically meant something, does not negate its present meaning or usage. In fact I think a word needs to be used in publications about 500 times before being allowed lexical status.
So borfo is not incorrect to use political in this context/usage.
I dont agree with the distinction between Cm and MR.
For one: does it matter?
MR is not "just" a party. It has many undertones... early on, megaphones would be used to shout anti-corporate slogans... whatever...
Many parties.... or just the idea of riding to party... can be political... in a sense MR can be whatever you want, just as CM can be.
MR's agenda: Party
CM's agenda: political party
And really whats the difference?
md2 responding to a comment by marino
11.4.09 - 5:19 pm
Borfo, you've been on Chicago's CM rides more than LA's, haven't you? How do you even know the pulse of LACM ride? From reading the boards? The current LACM is such a mild version of itself, it's hard to identify it as being any different than any other MR ride. The last ride was lead by some foolz from MOM for example. That's a long ways off from what LACM was and should be, IMHO. LACM has been for the most part, declawed and neutered.
I've also witnessed attitudes like this on MR rides. This type of confrontation is not limited to CM rides.
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