Many cycling bloggers have written about critical mass rides – either for or against. I feel I should write something, though to be honest for some reason the issue has always left me somewhat indifferent.
Maybe 10 years ago, I was involved in one critical mass cycle ride in Oxford. I was cycling home when I came across a huge group of cyclists. It was great fun to join. We cycled slowly down the high Street and then cycled around Magdalen Roundabout several times, nicely causing a huge traffic jam.
It was good to be in a group of 100+ cyclists. But, I did start to feel a little self conscious after the 8th time round Magdalen roundabout. I was thinking - I’m glad I wasn’t stuck in a car and I bet those motorists are pretty annoyed. I never went on one again. These days, I don’t think they are any critical mass cycle rides in Oxford – at least, they don’t ride around and round a roundabout. Maybe just a ride from A to B.
Generally, the odd critical mass may raise awareness of how many people cycle and the dangers cyclists face. But, in the long term, they probably lead to a deterioration in relations between cyclists and motorists so are not helpful. Generally antagonising the other party, is not a good way to generate improvement.
At the same time if cycling facilities are so bad, people may feel a critical mass cycle ride is an excellent way of highlighting their cause. It is an issue which arouses strong emotions in the cycling world. But, if a critical mass did start I wouldn’t want to get involved. I would be sympathetic to some extent with the aims of the ride. But, I wouldn’t get involved.
A large group ride is different. If their is a set ride through a town, then the inconvenience would be minimal. There is a certain point and destination to the ride. A ride from A to B wouldn’t seem confrontational like riding round in circles just to annoy motorists.
I know after a cyclist dies in accident there is often a desire to arrange a large group ride. If I was in the area, I may join this kind of ride – an attempt to share solidarity and highlight the dangers faced by cyclists. But, the intent of this ride is quite different to other more intense critical mass.
So, I’m not enthused by critical mass, even though I would love to see more people cycling. The future of cycling will not be improved by exaggerating a sense of them and us.
Well, that’s my ramblings anyway!
Oxford Critical Mass is up and running again. The Oxford ride is much more about celebrating cycling, rather than a protest about anything. Now that summer is here the rides will probably finish up in local parks so rider can enjoy a beer while the sun sets.
Last Friday of the month. 18:30 Broad Street.
Don’t make your mind up about how you feel about Critical Mass until you have checked out the friendly, non confrontational Oxford ride.
Alternatively find out when the next Oxford Alley Cat is taking place (a pedal powered treasure hunt), or join in a game of bike polo. You’ll be able to find out more about the Alley Cats from Oxford Cycle Workshop.
I find critical mass to be sooo last century. My take on it is to be found on my Copenhagenize.com blog
You may be interested in the recent Lords’ judgement concerning the Critical Mass rides in London. ‘Head of Legal’ wrote about this today at http://headoflegal.blogspot.com/2008/11/lords-judgment-kay-v-metropolitan.html and links to the judgement in question.
I also see critical mass rides as bad publicity for cycling. If one was organised in my city I would stay at home… I would also fear for my safety the next day when I ventured out on my bike in to the freshly antagonised traffic…
“…they probably lead to a deterioration in relations between cyclists and motorists so are not helpful. Generally antagonising the other party, is not a good way to generate improvement.”
Quite right. They have them in manchester and all they do is piss everyone off. I can’t see the link between CM and improving cycling facilities, but would be happy to change my mind.