Advocacy & Safety - CM Irony...

Just found this rather humorously ironic - the local CM just posted a few photos from their ride today - found this one most amusing:

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/f/5/f/highres_4756223.jpeg

CM? With everyone riding on the white right line? :roflmao: :lol: :roflmao:

Just found it too amusing not to share. Of course, I'm sure that the humorous spirit of this thread will be turned into a CM and VC flamewar, but that's another story :p

-Kurt

Post the web site.
Thanks

White Line Fever

Post the web site.
Thanks

I hesitate to ask why :lol:

http://criticalmass.meetup.com/40/

I lurk around there occasionally to keep tabs on them.

-Kurt

Another one that is too funny. CM stops for a red light that they can't cork:

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/6/7/8/highres_3750328.jpeg

-Kurt

Another one that is too funny. CM stops for a red light that they can't cork:

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/6/7/8/highres_3750328.jpeg

-Kurt

Need more photos of the hotty in spandex.

Need more photos of the hotty in spandex.

They've got enough photo galleries, take a look then. ;)

-Kurt

Just found this rather humorously ironic - the local CM just posted a few photos from their ride today - found this one most amusing:

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/f/5/f/highres_4756223.jpeg

CM? With everyone riding on the white right line?That's the kind of CM I could get behind.

Not in a car, of course. :p

That's the kind of CM I could get behind.

Behind, eh?

From seeing one of this group's CM's in person, I'd say that's the type of CM I'd pass. They're likely making a shade under 10mph in that photo if anything like one of their previous year rides.

-Kurt

Behind? In what manner?

-KurtI'm not against the "concept" of a large number of cyclists taking to the road. I could totally support that, if they were observant of the laws and not intentionally confrontational and antagonistic toward other users of the road. In other words, a Critical Manners ride.

It's when they intentionally set out to disrupt the commutes of others, when they intentionally try to antagonize others, when they intentionally try to provoke confrontations, that they lose me. And unfortunately, Critical Mass tends to attract people who show up for those purposes.

Oh - thought you were making a dirty gag of some kind. :lol:

-Kurt

Oh - thought you were making a dirty gag of some kind. :lol:

-KurtThe dirty gag would be in reference to the other photo.

Leave it to Steve-o then ;)

-Kurt

P.S.: While we're on the subject: Even Cleopatra went on a CM ride. She nearly lost her asp.

Incidentally, on a more interesting note from Florida statute 316.2065, section 5A:


Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:

#3: When reasonably necessary to avoid any condition, including, but not limited to, a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, or substandard-width lane, that makes it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For the purposes of this subsection, a "substandard-width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

That said, considering the existence of the 3-foot passing law, the width of the lane, and the fact that this road is double-yellow striped at the center, these CM'ers have a legal right to take the lane if no more then two-abreast.

The funny thing is that their single-file conga line is pretty much unsafe to pass in the first place on that particular stretch of road - had they taken the lane, they would have occupied less of the overall roadway.

-Kurt

Incidentally, on a more interesting note from Florida statute 316.2065, section 5A:



That said, considering the existence of the 3-foot passing law, the width of the lane, and the fact that this road is double-yellow striped at the center, these CM'ers have a legal right to take the lane if no more then two-abreast.

The funny thing is that their single-file conga line is pretty much unsafe to pass in the first place on that particular stretch of road - had they taken the lane, they would have occupied less of the overall roadway.

-KurtYep, that is funny-- there's no other traffic on that road, they're legally entitled to the full lane anyway, and they're hugging the curb.

Yep, that is funny-- there's no other traffic on that road, they're legally entitled to the full lane anyway, and they're hugging the curb.

Indeed. I just posted this on their forum (not because I support CM as much as I loath curbhugging):

http://criticalmass.meetup.com/40/messages/boards/thread/5055378/0#19359584

Hope it is received well with them.

-Kurt

I hesitate to ask why :lol:

http://criticalmass.meetup.com/40/

I lurk around there occasionally to keep tabs on them.

-Kurt

This must be the laid back version of a CM

For a second, I thought you were going to make fun of her wearing 1 shoe/sandal. :lol: But, yeah, I think it's just the angle of the pedals.

I think critical mass that takes up several blocks long obeying the traffic laws would send a better signal than a mob. But I realize that isn't what happens.. and isn't as fun. The Houston one could cover all of downtown if they stayed single file :D

This must be the laid back version of a CM

This one particular group is known for being less-aggressive then Friday CM ride down here (never seen that one in person), but to take the curb in this situation is ridiculous - whether you are sole CM'er or a single rider. I've been on this stretch of highway myself, and I'll tell you right now that one will be passed unsafely a minimum of three times - while taking the lane. Quite likely honked at just the same.


I think critical mass that takes up several blocks long obeying the traffic laws would send a better signal than a mob. But I realize that isn't what happens.. and isn't as fun. The Houston one could cover all of downtown if they stayed single file :D

You're pretty much describing "Critical Manners." Nice concept, but I've yet to hear of any CManners have the same ridership or longevity as CM. Goes to show you where the minds are.

-Kurt

Just found this rather humorously ironic - the local CM just posted a few photos from their ride today - found this one most amusing:

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/f/5/f/highres_4756223.jpeg

CM? With everyone riding on the white right line? :roflmao: :lol: :roflmao:

Just found it too amusing not to share. Of course, I'm sure that the humorous spirit of this thread will be turned into a CM and VC flamewar, but that's another story :p




From seeing one of this group's CM's in person, I'd say that's the type of CM I'd pass. They're likely making a shade under 10mph in that photo if anything like one of their previous year rides.



Indeed. I just posted this on their forum (not because I support CM as much as I loath curbhugging):


This one particular group is known for being less-aggressive then Friday CM ride down here (never seen that one in person), but to take the curb in this situation is ridiculous - whether you are sole CM'er or a single rider.

OK, got it. You loathe curb hugging; the pictured cyclists apparently do not. You would pass cyclists that only cycle at 10 mph, this group does not. Presumably the cyclists are riding legally and enjoying themselves and not keeping you or anyone else from cycling anyway they like. So where is the irony or the humor?

OK, got it. You loathe curb hugging; the pictured cyclists apparently do not. You would pass cyclists that only cycle at 10 mph, this group does not. Presumably the cyclists are riding legally and enjoying themselves and not keeping you or anyone else from cycling anyway they like. So where is the irony or the humor?

Isn't it great when we actually turn on other cyclists because they don't conform.

Isn't it great when we actually turn on other cyclists because they don't conform.

You do mean as the OP did because the ride doesn't meet his standard for a CM ride?

One question: Where's the Pabst BR?

You do mean as the OP did because the ride doesn't meet his standard for a CM ride?

I don't think dobber was criticizing him, if that is how you interpreted it.

I won't give ILTB the pleasure of a response.


You do mean as the OP did because the ride doesn't meet his standard for a CM ride?

When I initially posted this, it was commenting on the irony of a ride deemed a "Critical Mass" to ride in such a condescending manner. I thought it harmlessly amusing, as it seemed to stand for everything but Critical Mass.

That said, I realized - and later commented - that their lane positioning - regardless of it being a CM ride or not - was not particularly the brightest thing to do for protection against motorists either. Call it what you want, but I see full lane use - in this case - as a safety strategy.


One question: Where's the Pabst BR?

Not on this ride, but they also organize the "Brew Crew," if beer is your thing.

-Kurt

I won't give ILTB the pleasure of a response.
Not to worry, I didn't take any pleasure from your OP either. Unlike you I find neither humor nor irony in your derision for cyclists who don't meet your cycling standards.

I won't give ILTB the pleasure of a response.



When I initially posted this, it was commenting on the irony of a ride deemed a "Critical Mass" to ride in such a condescending manner. I thought it harmlessly amusing, as it seemed to stand for everything but Critical Mass.

That said, I realized - and later commented - that their lane positioning - regardless of it being a CM ride or not - was not particularly the brightest thing to do for protection against motorists either. Call it what you want, but I see full lane use - in this case - as a safety strategy.





-Kurt

If that is your opinion, and its not a bad one, they why not email the organizers and state that. I would say seeing folk out on their bikes, even single file, is much better than in cars driving around for pleasure. For that, at least, the deserve applause.

If that is your opinion, and its not a bad one, they why not email the organizers and state that. I would say seeing folk out on their bikes, even single file, is much better than in cars driving around for pleasure. For that, at least, the deserve applause.

Perhaps you didn't read my post #16? I posted a message on their board with a few helpful suggestions about lane-position opportunities, wished them continued success, and left it at that.

-Kurt

Perhaps you didn't read my post #16? I posted a message on their board with a few helpful suggestions about lane-position opportunities, wished them continued success, and left it at that.

-Kurt

I may have missed it, still you should contact the LEADERS directly, much better way to get your point across. Maybe you could even arrange to meet with them and/or the group and discuss bicycling safety.

I may have missed it, still you should contact the LEADERS directly, much better way to get your point across. Maybe you could even arrange to meet with them and/or the group and discuss bicycling safety.

The organizer of the ride usually participates in his forum regularly - doubt if he would miss the post.

That said, your idea of a group bicycling safety meeting is brilliant, though I just don't care to hold a safety seminar for any cycling group. I can just see it now - the A&S forum in living color. B!tch, b!tch, b!tch.

-Kurt

Just found this rather humorously ironic - the local CM just posted a few photos from their ride today - found this one most amusing:

CM? With everyone riding on the white right line? :roflmao: :lol: :roflmao:

Just found it too amusing not to share. Of course, I'm sure that the humorous spirit of this thread will be turned into a CM and VC flamewar, but that's another story :p

-Kurt

Where is it?

Where is it?

The ride? Miami: http://criticalmass.meetup.com/40/

Although it supposedly begins in Coconut Grove, I'm hazarding a guess that this photo was taken a few miles north of U.S.1, in Coral Gables.

-Kurt

That said, your idea of a group bicycling safety meeting is brilliant, though I just don't care to hold a safety seminar for any cycling group. I can just see it now - the A&S forum in living color. B!tch, b!tch, b!tch.
A group of people that may include people not impressed by your version of bicycling wisdom, nor your derisive sense of humor and irony? People that may not agree with everything you say? Preaching the Right Way of Bicycling to them would be just terrible, wouldn't it?

Better stick to preaching to the choir, where the only proper response to your statements is "Amen."

how would kudak lead a largely unorganized group of riders thru Miami? How would he get the riders to ride one way or the other?

kudak is a critic of groups of riders like critical mass. what a punter.

why is the picture in the original post a problem with critical mass critics?

the cyclists are riding as far right as practicable, and two abreast as the law allows.....

A group of people that may include people not impressed by your version of bicycling wisdom, nor your derisive sense of humor and irony? People that may not agree with everything you say? Preaching the Right Way of Bicycling to them would be just terrible, wouldn't it?

Better stick to preaching to the choir, where the only proper response to your statements is "Amen."

Well, in the eyes of someone like you - someone who doesn't believe that there any correct or incorrect way to ride - I dare say any cycling safety course would be a threat to your ideals. Correct?

Fine with me, but I dare say the general consensus on this forum is otherwise. Considering that you have 9,000+ posts of this same form of contradicting similar topics about cycling safety, ability, and education courses, that record pretty much speaks for itself.

And for that matter, I'm pretty fed up with your own smart-alec "humor" just the same. We know your position by now - no need to be smug about it.


how would kudak lead a largely unorganized group of riders thru Miami? How would he get the riders to ride one way or the other?

kudak is a critic of groups of riders like critical mass. what a punter.

That was my point in the original post of irony: They call themselves Critical Mass, but they're organized. Why then, call it Critical Mass? Gives the ride a negative connotation. Hell, I would have participated in this myself if I knew it was this non-confrontational.

Would you be so kind as not to b@$tardize my name? I don't do so to you.

-Kurt

why is the picture in the original post a problem with critical mass critics?

the cyclists are riding as far right as practicable, and two abreast as the law allows.....

I find it more of a contradiction of CM's own ideals then anything else - it just took me by surprise. Not antagonistic - in fact, condescending.

That said, my point is that the law allows for them to move father right on this lane - for that matter, the whole group can ride two-abreast. The way I see it, it makes for safer passing by motorists, as it discourages merging too far inwards towards the line of cyclists, and also makes the group a bit shorter in length, giving the signalers at the back of the pack more opportunities to wave motorists through when the opposing lane is clear without endangering riders at the front.

-Kurt

Well, in the eyes of someone like you - someone who doesn't believe that there any correct or incorrect way to ride - I dare say any cycling safety course would be a threat to your ideals. Correct?
Beats me if you are correct. My alleged lack of belief about correct/incorrect ways to ride (AKA your construct) are not the issue. Your condescension towards those who don't cycle as fast as you or place themselves on the road like you is the issue. An issue that you brought up in the OP and follow-up posts by mocking the "other cyclists" who don't fit your notion of the proper way of cycling. IMO, the original post smacks of elitism/contempt from a would be educator of the "uneducated" cycling masses. If only they would come to their senses and see things his way.

The ride? Miami: http://criticalmass.meetup.com/40/

Although it supposedly begins in Coconut Grove, I'm hazarding a guess that this photo was taken a few miles north of U.S.1, in Coral Gables.

-Kurt

I meant where is the critical mass? This looks like a fizzle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fizzle

Your condescension towards those who don't cycle as fast as you or place themselves on the road like you is the issue. An issue that you brought up in the OP and follow-up posts by mocking the "other cyclists" who don't fit your notion of the proper way of cycling.

Not exactly my point. If they wish to ride on the edge, that is their decision, and I respect it. I might loath curbhugging as a rule for myself, but it is just that - a rule for myself. So I'd pass them. Big deal - it would be with a wave and a smile. I'd probably even slow down and perhaps join the ride for a block or two if I spotted a friend in the group.

That said, my initial comments (to clarify for the third or fourth time now) were specifically in regards to the fact that this ride, despite labeling themselves as a Critical Mass, is exhibiting absolutely no qualities of a typical Mass. If nothing else, they exhibit the exact opposite behavior - that is what I found ironic, and to an extent, humorous: The fact that a "Critical Mass" would be law-abiding or even pacifist. I have nothing against that - I just find it amusing considering CM's track record.

Had this been labeled a Critical Manners or just simply a community bike ride, I would have seen nothing in it, and wouldn't have posted it. Do you see my point now?

-Kurt

Had this been labeled a Critical Manners or just simply a community bike ride, I would have seen nothing in it, and wouldn't have posted it. Do you see my point now?


Yes, though it seems strained and you almost sound disappointed that these riders didn't fit the CM stereotype of lawless trouble makers.

Do you see my point that you come off as derisive of "other cyclists" that don't fit the approved profile, when your words on this thread appears to be sneering at them because they ride too slowly for your tastes or ride legally but differently than your preferred technique?

why is the picture in the original post a problem with critical mass critics?

the cyclists are riding as far right as practicable, and two abreast as the law allows.....


They probably stop at red lights too. THE HORROR!

Had this been labeled a Critical Manners or just simply a community bike ride, I would have seen nothing in it, and wouldn't have posted it. Do you see my point now?

-Kurt

It's not how you ride, it's what you label it. Gotcha.

Yes, though it seems strained and you almost sound disappointed that these riders didn't fit the CM stereotype of lawless trouble makers.

Strained only in that it has taken this long to get the point across to you. Not disappointed, just amused as I've stated enough times already.


Do you see my point that you come off as derisive of "other cyclists" that don't fit the approved profile, when your words on this thread appears to be sneering at them because they ride too slowly for your tastes or ride legally but differently than your preferred technique?

Do you see my point that I'm only laughing at the fact that this ride appears to be completely devoid of the typical Mass participants? I'm not comparing it to my own riding, I'm comparing it to what is typical of Critical Mass as it is generally known.

That said, I've clarified this enough, and apparently you do understand it. Why you choose to read more into it then there is beyond me - perhaps you enjoy twisting things into something they aren't.

-Kurt

Sad that other CM groups cannot learn to ride legally!