critical mass - Melbourne

luke1972

Anyone been on one of these rides. I was in Smith Street Collingwood on Friday night and 5 police motorbikes approached at a slow speed with lights flashing. I left the restaurant to have a look (thinking royalty must be in town). Minutes later a couple of hundred riders came along as part of "critical mass". There was police officers on bikes along side them and more police motorbikes at the rear. Some of the pedestrians standing by abused the riders.

Police cost alot of money to have at a bike race and this is a major reason why there is a lack of big bike races in Victoria (I think). I assume critical mass do not pay for the police during their rides. Why should we (when racing)?????

I would be interested in what bike riders think about "critical mass". It certainly got my attention.

531Aussie

I think you'll find most "real" cyclists () like us don't appreciate the flack we cop because of these people.

tzama

They should really have a good look at when they schedule these rides.


I'd prefer to see them ride around Gov House and not let any pollies in/out !


Do these guys have their own web site ?

rooman

Yes, there are two CMs in Melbourne ( I think) one from around St Kilda and one in the city, do a Google Search for the critical mass org and you will find them.

It is an International group of loosley affiliated souls aiming ( according to web site ) to reduce polution and increase bike useage in inner city areas and across the population generally.

I think the big problem is that too many use or abuse CM for their politics and depart from the pure aim.... in fact if you visit Athens Georgia in the USA, they have a group of critical mass participants and it is one of the best run and well attended of all CMs anywhere...you know why...because they refuse to use the word "Critical", they call them selves "Courteous Mass", and it works...!!!

The usual CM rides are from the Library in Swanston St from around 5to5-30pm ish on the night of the full moon, and if a month has two full moons, the other one is a "Blue Moon " ride.... some of their members may post to this and clear up times and political agendas, I've never been on a CM ride here, been tempted, but the looks of the bulk of participants in the press and the reaction from many who are upset by the CM action doesnt bode too well to get more roadies into the scene, mainly mtbs, hybrids and inner city treddlies., but its not the bikes that concern me its the unpredictable nature of the mob, and the unpredictable nature of the chemical substances seemingly influencing some that is the concern to me.

And a certain Neil Mitchell on radio bags them no - end, but then he bags a lot of sensible lifestyle issues in the name of his own weirdness so go figure that !

over to anyone else who can shed more light on this populace movement .

Oh yeah, they have a Yahoo Group site too, through CM, and emails whizzing around cyberspace en-mass.

Seems like a group with potential that is too able to shoot itself in the foot, so when it should be running ( or riding ) at the lead, it is wobbling in the gutter...pardon my images !

cfsmtb

While you're firmly entitled to your pro or anti Critical Mass P.O.V, you've made a couple of strange assumptions. Especially the one quoted above.

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rooman

Hi there, will yes it is an assumption, and the only way to sort it out is to actually get along and do the ride, more than once, so next ride, I'll just do that.( and I now know its the last Friday of the month too)
I applaud the actions of CM - in the main, especially its resilience to all the crap dumped on it by anyone and everyone, and the main problem really is that not enough people know enough about it, so the unknown wailers build weird prejudices, you know, the irrational fear thing....and case in point. last Sat after a particularly vigorous ride I sat in a cafe with a group of mid 40s through mid 50's talking about McGee and protest rides and the question was asked, what about Critical mass, maybe we should go do their rides....then several said, "no forget it, they are too far off the planet, etc... ( not sure what that meant and my request for a definition was left with a square puzzled look, but it just re-inforces the perceptions out there, that there are cyclists and there is critical mass, the two just dont mix....I don't know enough about CM myself here in Australia, not having been back here long enough to get into it, but I mentioned Athens Georgia, and their Courteous Mass, they have got it together, a close alignement with the city and the University, and the community is actively supportive. So its not just the home of REM, JitteryJoes-Kalahari and the big Bulldog, its also a great lesson in how activism sweeps up mainstream.
But the essence is, discussion, forums like this and our personal willingness to get out and about and spread the message of riding for life, to save life, to save resources, to save our cities and to save our senses...it really does help get your head together...just some better press and some powerful linking of all cycling enthusiasts would ensure a cohesive lobby to sort all that out...the roadies, the mtbs, the trackies and the commuters, all have a stake in working to ensure we adults and our kids can ride safely, and our communities are better off because of that.

I had a hard day today and my head wasnt quite out of its stuck up there position when I wrote that, so excuse my ranting, seemingly rednecked ravings there...I will make a factual immersion into CM and I'm sure it will be a hoot.

Thanks for the wake up call

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I think..that the greatest benefit to cyclists would ensue if government were to..gradually signify and produce society's view that cycling is a legitimate form of roadway transportation, open to all on an equal basis of proper skills and responsibilities that are easily attained and exercised.(John Forester)

cfsmtb

Hey, just between you & me, I saw a AIS jersey on the last ride. And at least two Giant TCR's. Shhhh. don't tell anyone....

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rooman

I think I'll ride my fixie ! ...and I'll drag a few others along, they'll probably be kicking and screaming, but if we detour to a few servos and pass by the odd bottle shop like I hear can happen, that might make them smile and lighten up...

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I think..that the greatest benefit to cyclists would ensue if government were to..gradually signify and produce society's view that cycling is a legitimate form of roadway transportation, open to all on an equal basis of proper skills and responsibilities that are easily attained and exercised.(John Forester)

crazney

Critical Mass doesn't ask for the cops, and many riders don't really want them there anyhow. You can take them if you want.

Marx SS

‘Real’ cyclist?
I ride everyday, but I also support what Critical Mass does.
No harm in it.
I’ve been on a couple.

So lemme get this right, if I pay for the police escort, then it’s OK is it?

When the Queen visits, who do you think pays for that escort? You reckon Liz signs the checks do you?

takver

Critical Mass Melbourne congregates at the State Library in Swanston Street at 5.30pm Last Friday of the month - rain, hail, snow, sunshine or public holiday. It usually doesn't leave till 6pm to allow for latecomers.

The route for Critical Mass is determined by xeroceracy - whoever arrives with a route map, hands it out, and convinces people to take that route. Sometimes no route map is prepared and it comes down to who is in the lead about where to go. Occasionally CM will diverge from a prepared route map.

Most people come for the fun and celebration of cycling in a large group around the city. Some use the opportunity to make a statement: against pollution; for sustainable transport options; against car culture; for more cycle friendly facilities; a protest about penalties for motorists who kill cyclists. It is all part of Critical Mass, and you don't have to agree with any of it. You can come just because its fun cycling at a leisurely pace (average speed 5-10kph) in a large group: with small tots in trailers, young kids peddling on trailer bikes, teenagers on bmx, road bikes, mtbs, tandems, recumbent trikes and bikes, upright trikes, people on rollerblades. CM is a very inclusive bunch of people. Some of us get dressed up for the occasion, others bring music systems to ride along to.

The object is to ride as a mass, to look after each other, and prevent motor vehicles entering the mass by "corking" intersections and driveways. The object is not to obstruct traffic, but to be part of the traffic as one mass of cyclists. Sometimes the mass becomes spread out, and that is a danger for the mass, and can cause frustration for other traffic users, and is to be avoided. If you see someone doing something silly, tell them. If you see an ambulance or other emergency vehicle needing passage, then organise yourself and the people around you to get out of the way quickly. That is what I think CM is about.

Generally I ride with a smile on my face, wave to the people sitting at restaurants, and even apologise to people stuck in traffic, saying it will only be a very small delay and wish them a pleasant evening. Being courteous, I generally receive more positive comments than abuse.

It usually only takes one really aggro driver, which attracts agro responses from cyclists, and you have a potential heated conflict situation. In the past, before the police got involved about 5 years ago, other massers would defuse these situations. Nowadays the police presence usually dampens down any driver road rage pretty quickly.

As a frequent attendee, this is my take on CM in Melbourne. I have no hesitation in bringing my children (4 & 17) to enjoy the event on a regular basis. Come along to the next mass on Friday 27 May.

smartie

I lost any form of support for Critical Mass when they performed their stunt ride through the Tunnel. This stunt was purely political as it was in the peak period and by doing so obstructs vehicular traffic from quickly and efficiently by-passing the City. Without this type of vehicle infrastructure, it makes it more dangerous on the road for cyclists as the inner city roads are the only alternative.

Although it is a nice aim to have no cars and all be riding bikes, this will NEVER happen and the sooner some sections of the community realize it the better for all. Then organizations such as CM may be treated with some form of respect in the community. Even the name doesn't engender respect as "critical mass" is the state a nuclear bomb gets to just prior to detonation.

The only thing you ever see about them are the problems they cause the general driving public, and rather than actively trying to solve any issue, are seen to be part of the problem whenever they are out. Critical Mass are not going to change driver opinions and attitudes to cyclists with the methods they use, rather they will only inflame things, this is why the police would be required, to stop the stupidity of the organized rabble causing their own injuries by a frustrated motorist.

I both drive and ride bikes, both are appropriate forms of transport, and the actions of some will not alter which form i use, but the actions of intelligent people will ensure both can be utilized as efficiently as possible.

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Cipo

Beautifully said, smartie. Beautifully said.

They just create more angst against the rest of us cyclists

Phuong L

I think that's where the problem lies - you people seem to believe that the roads belong to motorists and that cyclists are secondary users. Critical Mass challenges this and says "it's our time to take over the roads. See how lovely it is to cycle here without cars?"

I'm not sure what CM in Melbourne is like, but Mass here in Sydney is more like a mobile, friendly street party!

I cycle everyday and everywhere in Sydney and I've copped a lot of slack from uneducated motorists. Cycling with Critical Mass is the one time that I get to cycle on the roads without having to fear that the vehicle behind me is going to run me over, speed past me at an unsafe distance, etc. (I'm sure you all can think of some other things to add to the list.)

Everyday I get stuck behind cars that mysteriously 'break down' so the passenger can get in/out, get held up in peak-hour traffic behind pollution-emitting vehicles. But there is that couple of hours, one day of the month where I get to relax and breath a little more easily. Motorists are a major cause of pollution and traffic congestion in the city every single day! So why is it that Critical Mass is being abused for holding up traffic for less than two hours one day in a month? I don't get it...