Advocacy & Safety - Bikes not bombs.... a national ride in!

Organizing a national bike to work protest against the use
of foreign oil...... for an entire week in May 2004, everyone
should bike to work or to their nearest Mass Transit location
and not use gas vehicles for a week.
Lets rally these masses! Those boys are dying for oil
not weapons of mass destruction, lets stand with our
troops for their lives mean more than oil to us back home!
Your efforts could save lives.
May 15-22, bikes not bombs, pass it on!

Rob 49

What a cool idea -- except I already commute by bike, how can I change anything to register my protest? Sigh.

Before the war, the U.S. had 22.4 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, according to Oil and Gas Journal. Iraq has 112 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. Does that mean that the U.S. now has 124 billion barrels of proven oil reserves under its control? Of course, the war may have had much more to do with creating the opportunity for no competition bid contracts to Cheney's friends at Haliburton to reconstruct Iraq than it had in capturing oil for the benefit of the U.S. public.

Just a small suggestion....

This is really a good idea, for lots of reasons besides a protest against foreign oil. You would probably be more successful however; if you didn't start out by ruling out the car for the whole week. Remember that most of these folks drive any distance above about 500 yards. To the uninitiated a week without a car is inconcievable. Perhaps biking to work one day, or a lap around city hall at sunset, or just not buying any gasoline on one particular day would generate more participation.

Dan

Rob-
I'd love to spread the word, hopefully there will be more information forthcoming as the date gets closer? In the form of printable flyers or news releases, perhpas? Some stuff to consider.
~M

Rob-
I'd love to spread the word, hopefully there will be more information forthcoming as the date gets closer? In the form of printable flyers or news releases, perhpas? Some stuff to consider.
~M

I would be interested if there was more info to pass on to the local organizations here.

Rob-
I'd love to spread the word, hopefully there will be more information forthcoming as the date gets closer? In the form of printable flyers or news releases, perhpas? Some stuff to consider.
~M
I'd flyer NYC

Just a small suggestion...This is really a good idea, for lots of reasons besides a protest against foreign oil. You would probably be more successful however; if you didn't start out by ruling out the car for the whole week. Remember that most of these folks drive any distance above about 500 yards. To the uninitiated a week without a car is inconcievable. Perhaps biking to work one day, or a lap around city hall at sunset, or just not buying any gasoline on one particular day would generate more participation.Dan

There's been a national bike to work day around for years now...hardly a dent has been made in the motoring masses. To quote an infamous Motor City band, the MC5, 'It's time to get down, it's time to testify'; this will take organization, publicity and persistence. I say, the earlier y'all start organizing, the better; and it's also better to think big than not...Rob's got the right idea and I think we should support it, not criticize it.

I'm not criticizing. I like the idea. I am just trying to imagine most of the folks I work with (the ones that fill several acres of parking lots that surround me) seeing a flyer and then saying to themselves "I can do that - I'll just leave the car in the garage next week". I am having a hard time forming the picture in my mind.

The easier you make it for average folk to participate -- the more participation you will get.

Dan

I'm not criticizing. I like the idea. I am just trying to imagine most of the folks I work with (the ones that fill several acres of parking lots that surround me) seeing a flyer and then saying to themselves "I can do that - I'll just leave the car in the garage next week". I am having a hard time forming the picture in my mind.

The easier you make it for average folk to participate -- the more participation you will get.

Dan

Dan's got a point here maybe it should include all alternative sources of transportation make it a national leave your car at home week or day

Not just "against" foreign oil; but as support for our soldiers.

Not just "against" foreign oil; but as support for our soldiers.

Another good point

Posted by erraticrider - 12-03-03 at 07:52 AM
What a cool idea -- except I already commute by bike, how can I change anything to register my protest? Sigh.

Before the war, the U.S. had 22.4 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, according to Oil and Gas Journal. Iraq has 112 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. Does that mean that the U.S. now has 124 billion barrels of proven oil reserves under its control? Of course, the war may have had much more to do with creating the opportunity for no competition bid contracts to Cheney's friends at Haliburton to reconstruct Iraq than it had in capturing oil for the benefit of the U.S. public.


What, bringing 24 million people out from under the iron handed rule of Saddam & his charming boys doesn't count for anything?

What, bringing 24 million people out from under the iron handed rule of Saddam & his charming boys doesn't count for anything?

By the looks of this this is not a protest of the war in Iraq but one about our dependence of foreign oil. For someone that remember the oil embargo of the early 70's I find it hard to believe that we as nation have not done ANYTHING to change our dependence on foreign oil.

Sounds like a good idea. I think everyone is against using foreign oil and thus aid in funding terrorism, but if we only used domestic reserves the "evil" oil companies of the US will get more profits, and ANWR would likely be drilled. If only more people ride bikes.... At least by taking the Iraqi fields from Saddam he is no longer giving $25k to the families of suicide bombers in Israel. I digress.

I think the war was a good thing for the iraqi people and helps discourage further attacks like sept 11 2001.More people riding bikes is of course a good thing. But I am sick of all the Bush bashing that goes on .I think we are in Iraq for the right reasons and even though the establishment of Democracy in that country will be difficult ,in the end it will be worth it. Reconstruction is not quick it took 6 years with japan. James

I think the war was a good thing for the iraqi people and helps discourage further attacks like sept 11 2001.More people riding bikes is of course a good thing. But I am sick of all the Bush bashing that goes on .I think we are in Iraq for the right reasons and even though the establishment of Democracy in that country will be difficult ,in the end it will be worth it. Reconstruction is not quick it took 6 years with japan. James

Bush bashinbg haven't seen any in this thread why his name hasn't even been mentioned why must everything you all disagree with become Bush bashing?

Now doing something about dependence on foreign oil, that I can get behind. I, too, lived through the '70s energy crisis and still cannot fathom the short-sightedness of America at large and our leaders.

My first inclination is that people will be turned off by the "foreign oil" part of the campaign. Most will immediately dismiss it out of hand as another crackpot political push. Dependence on all oil would be better, but still not received well. We are talking about people's perceived comfort and security. We need another session of shutting the output valve off a bit to wake people up.
I believe the time frame you are looking at is around National Bike to Work Day, in National Bike to Work Month.

Dan's got a point here maybe it should include all alternative sources of transportation make it a national leave your car at home week or day

For this there is Car Free Day, September 22 each year. It's not too early to start organizing in you home town...

Ngateguy. Ok not Bush bashing but definitely Cheney Bashing. And Dick Cheney is part of the Bush administration , at least the last time I checked.We had september 11 at least in part due to Bill Clintons passing up the chance to take Osama Bin Laden.When he was offered to him by Pakistan? Oh by the way you are not the center of the Universe and neither am I that honor belongs to God. James

Wake up, James...

The Bush Administration's policies favoring Big Oil and Gas over renewable resources are going to ruin our enviroment. His failure to sign the Kyoto protocol (which IS flawed, but not fatally like he says, but we HAVE to start somewhere) just shows his lack of leadership in protecting the enviroment. Bush doesn't care about the American people, just his rich corporate contributers who pollute for profit!

We were much better off with George Bush Sr. in office, although he screwed up the Rio summit in '92. He was the President of the Sierra Club compared to his son!

Better move this to the political forum?

James, you are awake! Smurfy must have his head in the sand?

Give up your car for a week to protest foriegn oil? People make this choice everyday and I don't foresee much more support for your idea than I do now. :(

Ngateguy. Ok not Bush bashing but definitely Cheney Bashing. And Dick Cheney is part of the Bush administration , at least the last time I checked.We had september 11 at least in part due to Bill Clintons passing up the chance to take Osama Bin Laden.When he was offered to him by Pakistan? Oh by the way you are not the center of the Universe and neither am I that honor belongs to God. James

Well after checking all the threads I don't see mention of any of the administration in here so you are presuming that since we are discussing our dependence on foreign oil (which is not good from an economic or military aspect) that we are bashing the administration James it is you that is making this political

We had september 11 at least in part due to Bill Clintons passing up the chance to take Osama Bin Laden.When he was offered to him by Pakistan? Oh by the way you are not the center of the Universe and neither am I that honor belongs to God. James

Firt off James get a sense of humor my Center of the Universe is what they call a JOKE do you know what that is?

And since BC passed on not only information but a plan and the tools to GWB on Bin Ladden just what did GWB do until 9/11, I think he ignored the terrorist because he and his buds never took them seriously.

We had september 11 at least in part due to Bill Clintons passing up the chance to take Osama Bin Laden.When he was offered to him by Pakistan? Oh by the way you are not the center of the Universe and neither am I that honor belongs to God. James

First off James get a sense of humor my Center of the Universe is what they call a JOKE do you know what that is?

And since BC passed on not only information but a plan and the tools to GWB on Bin Ladden just what did GWB do until 9/11, I think he ignored the terrorist because he and his buds never took them seriously.

I think there is enough blame to go all around and is time to stop the finger pointing don't you? Or should we rehash all the old world history on just how Saddam and Afghanistan happened?

n gate guy. pLEASE EXCUSE THE ERRORS for some reason my computer is not allowing me to edit. I was not the first one to mention Dick cheney and Haliburton( I believe Dick Cheney resigned from it when he became vice President or before) How can you disparage Dick Cheney without involving the administration?I do not think you can parse it that closely. James

Not just "against" foreign oil; but as support for our soldiers.

By saying that the government is lying about what the war is about, and by saying that the leadership that they took an oath to follow are false.

Sure, that's support.

I beg to differ .I have read The hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy,The restaurant at the end of the Universe,So long and thanks for all the Fish and young Zaphod plays it safe, I also enjoy monty Python and have seen all 3 Austin Powers movies. I simply find one equating themself with God not amusing. James P.s And yes I laughed so hard I was in danger of having nothing to sit on . Oh by the way do you know how many people Saddam Hussien had killed in Bhagdad alone? It was in the news today. care to guess? 61,000!I think we did the right thing by deposing him. :eek:

Deposing Saddam is one thing. Occupying the country indefinitely against the will of their people and allowing our government's corporate 'sponsors' to steal their natural resources is quite another.

By saying that the government is lying about what the war is about, and by saying that the leadership that they took an oath to follow are false.

Sure, that's support.

Yeah, William, I think it is support. As we go down the road toward what possibly may be another Vietnam, when our soldiers come home and back into our communities, I don't want the soldiers to be blamed for the war and aftermath. The soldiers are not responsible for the administration's decisions -- they should not have been blamed in Vietnam and should not be blamed now.

And, I am willing to say to our soldiers and the administration that, here at home, I am willing to make sacrifices at a time when they maybe making the ultimate sacrifice.

Imagine a national movement to ride your bike to work at least once a week, or around the neighborhood, wearing a yellow ribbon wrapped around the seatpost. Wouldn't you be proud to carry that symbol onto the base every morning when you ride in?

The soldiers are not responsible for the administration's decisions -- they should not have been blamed in Vietnam and should not be blamed now.
I don't think anyone is throwing blame.


Imagine a national movement to ride your bike to work at least once a week, or around the neighborhood, wearing a yellow ribbon wrapped around the seatpost. Wouldn't you be proud to carry that symbol onto the base every morning when you ride in?

Anyone and thier uncle can jump on the yellow ribbon band wagon. A local radio station jockey was anti war "I can't believe this is happening, how horrible, etc". A month later, the jockey is welcoming home a ship "I'm so proud of the work they've done".

A ribbon is a fashion statement. Repeated action is support.

Anyone and thier uncle can jump on the yellow ribbon band wagon. A local radio station jockey was anti war "I can't believe this is happening, how horrible, etc". A month later, the jockey is welcoming home a ship "I'm so proud of the work they've done".A ribbon is a fashion statement. Repeated action is support.

Yes a ribbon is just a fashion statement. William don'y you think it is possible to not support the war, but support the troops? I do

A ribbon is a fashion statement. Repeated action is support.

The last sentence is true -- I ride everyday that I can. The first may be true -- bow ties are fashion statements; but a ribbon might also be communication and that may be more than mere fashion. I guess you are saying that you are not willing to communicate your support in this way.

Yes a ribbon is just a fashion statement. William don'y you think it is possible to not support the war, but support the troops? I do

Me too. I have opposed this Iraq happening since day one. I debated one of my friends, who is a soldier, about it. I was one of the very few in this area that even questioned our country's motives. The soldier appreciated my support. This area is strongly conservative. It was the start of me losing my job.

Fossil fuel burning is hurting our environment. A week of riding my bike to work sounds good to me. Even though it could be a difficult commute. Not the distance, the heavy traffic. I don't ordinarily ride on road ways. The drivers around here don't yield to pedestrians let alone cyclists. Several pedestrians are struck by cars every year around here(this is a small town). Police enforcement of vehicle laws is somewhat eratic. Hell, it's miserable. I live near a school zone. The police only enforce the law when the school isn't in session. School buses are regularly driven way above the speed limit. When a cop does see them, they're ignored. :(

Me too. I have opposed this Iraq happening since day one. I debated one of my friends, who is a soldier, about it. I was one of the very few in this area that even questioned our country's motives. The soldier appreciated my support. This area is strongly conservative:(

I live maybe a mile from Naval Station Everett, Home of the Abraham LIncoln. Some hang out at the local pub and I have had beers and played darts with many of them. And you know what they understand my reasons for disagreeing with the war (especially since I reluctantly supported the Afghanistan War). Some of them even agree with me they are just doing their job, which is an important one they are not the ones who made the decision, but they are the ones who have to carry on through it. Not only do these guys get 100% of my support, but also my respect. Their are very few people in the "other" Washington I can say that about.

I guess you are saying that you are not willing to communicate your support in this way.

How easily you wish to put a negative spin on my views. I hereby communicate that I don't jump on bandwagons, like so many others do.
There are to many at the pulpit, not enough in the pews, if you get what I mean.

Many people strap a ribbon on and call it good.

So, of ribbon wearing people:
How many have sent a letter to troops forward deployed?
A care package?
Gone to a home coming parade?
Donated to the USO, or like organization?
Written a congressman about veterans benefits?
Spent time at a VA hospital?
Worked at operation standown?
Given spare change to any military support orginization?

Yet, the ribbon earns some manner of respect or ill communicated theaory that they "support" the troops...

A ribbon is a cop out if it's not closely tied to action.

[QUOTE=ngateguy]I live maybe a mile from Naval Station Everett, Home of the Abraham LIncoln.[\ QUOTE]

I used to be stationed in Everrette on the USS Callaghan (one of the finest destroyers ever made, under a GREAT captain). Nice area, and really friendly folks. I left just prior to the Lincoln getting there. Do they still have the ducks on base?

I support our troops -- I support bringing them home before any more of them are killed!

[QUOTE=ngateguy]I live maybe a mile from Naval Station Everett, Home of the Abraham LIncoln.[\ QUOTE]

I used to be stationed in Everrette on the USS Callaghan (one of the finest destroyers ever made, under a GREAT captain). Nice area, and really friendly folks. I left just prior to the Lincoln getting there. Do they still have the ducks on base?

Personally I haven't see any but the only times I have been on base is for the 4th of July Celebrations I think tthe crowds scare them away. There is fear that they may close the base :( we like having the guys and gals around

for more info on bikesnotbombs goto bikesnotbombs.org
great boston organization
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