Critical Mass: More Harm than Good
Let me just start out by saying that I am all for any effort that will help the cause for more bicycle routes, more bicycle usage, and safer conditions for riding bicycles in the cities of Cascadia. I have been a lifelong bicycle rider, well before it was the “in” thing to be doing. I have supported efforts to get safe bike lanes, and encourage others to do the same.
I have followed the exploits of the Critical Mass movement over the years. I applaud any outlet that can increase awareness of the needs of bicycle commuters and riders in Seattle, Portland, or any other city. Besides, although I have never thought of participating in one of these events, a part of me is certainly not opposed to anyone willing to get out there and participate in a grass roots activity that increases awareness of bicycling issues.
The Anarchist nature of these events has always been of concern to me, which has probably fueled my decision not to participate. While the vast majority of the participants are riding relatively peacefully to make a point by occupying traffic space, there are always going to be a few who will go to greater lengths to make the cause known. Some of these lengths tend to approach the line of what is proper behavior and what is wrong.
An incident happened during a recent Critical Mass ride in Seattle on July 25. An altercation occurred where there was contact between bicyclists and a motorist and a fight ensued. I don’t think any of us who were not there really know what happened that day. It is likely that both the cyclists and the motorist thought they needed to protect themselves from the other. In any case, the result was not favorable for either party.
While Critical Mass markets itself as an unorganized, “spontaneous” event; over the years there has developed enough of a regular plan to these events that there is certainly some unofficial organization. It is not so much that htere is a written plan; in fact, there is not. But it is organized in the sense that the regulars in the group will control the flow and the progress of hte event. While I do appreciate a good protest, I wonder is Critical Mass has reached the point where it might benefit from a little organization.
I see a much worse problem here, though. For all the publicity that Critical Mass has received over the years, good or bad, it seems that the latest event has done more to set back the cause of increasing bicycle access and safety than it has done to advance it. We are still trying to preach a message to the uneducated auto-driving masses that bike access and safety is necessary. The message that was told to the world this week was that bicyclists will sometimes beat up drivers and scare them and damage their cars if necessary to get their way. This is not the way to build a good working relationship with the people we are trying to get to not kill us with their cars.
I am guessing that without someone willing to come forward and soothe things over with the residents of Seattle, and perhaps some promices that something will happen differently, that the Seattle authorities will be on high alert and just looking to stop “trouble” in its path on the last Friday in August. Sadly, Critical Mass, in one fateful evening, has gone from being a bit of fun and a bit of public awareness (and a bit of traffic) to being a suspect group of thugs.
I hope something will happen to change this public perception of the event. Quickly.
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