Northern California - San Jose - It's Not Critical Mass

But what is it? Anyway, there is now debate as to whether or not it is peaceful.
dchttp://cbs5.com/local/sj.bike.party.2.1139534.html

If it looks like CM and smells like CM........

I do not see the words "debate" or "peaceful" anywhere in that article.

It IS a critical mass ride, in that there are so many cyclists that they fill the road, make stopping at stop signs impractical, and behave as a "supervehicle" like a funeral procession. It's NOT a Critical Mass ride because:
a) there's no political agenda,
b) there are organizers,
c) the route is published in advance,
d) the ride happens late in the evening to avoid the rush hour traffic,
e) the organizers push for considerate riding,
f) the riders push for stopping at all red lights and allowing cars to move,
g) the ride stops a number of scheduled times to regroup,
h) it's a much, much younger crowd of cyclists, and
i) very few, far less than 10%, use spandex pants, helmets or carbon fiber bikes.

It was a very peaceful and fun ride last night.

i think the organizers are doing the right thing, and spreading the right message to the public as well as encouraging the right behavior for those participating. we should applaud that. it is unfortunate that the CBS article has such a negative tone.

a bike party is a cool thing, the question is how do one keep it in control and not let any unfortunate incidents spark. it is ok to have a good time as long as it doesn't inconvenient other people.

I have not participated in this ride yet, but I am glad to hear that it has not devolved in a critical mass type of ride. The last time I visited the San Jose Bike Party website, some of the forum users were expressing concern about critical mass-type of behavior from some riders and asking what could be done, while others were quite clear that they did not want to have any part in reigning in riders who could potentially screw it up for everyone.

Ride report (from someone else): http://www.wirewd.com/bike/blog/bike_party0809/

Unlike a certain bike ride in San Francisco, the San Jose ride does have official rules that people seem to be obeying: http://www.sjbikeparty.org/

1. Stay in the right lane when possible. NEVER ride the sidewalk. NEVER ride against oncoming traffic.
2. Pick up your trash, leave nothing behind.
3. Stop at red lights.
4. Ride straight, ride predictability.
5. Roll past conflict.
6. Leave no one behind.
7. Ride sober! It’s illegal and dangerous to ride a bicycle inebriated.

8. Make some noise! (We need your help to remind those who aren’t following the rules!)

Channel 5 news report: http://cbs5.com/video/?id=54389@kpix.dayport.com

Other than the guys in the pickup out to harass someone at one event, the only thing I've read about any problems always seemed to involve drinking, so it's pretty much like any other party.
I think they also do it later in the day so the temps in the summer have started to come down. San Francisco is always much cooler than San Jose.

Last Friday's ride I didn't see the mass running a single light. A few stragglers, that's it.

The lesson there is that if you really do have a critical mass, you won't lose the critical mass by obeying traffic regulations and not being an ass. :)

I think CBS5 was desperately trying to get a story out of what was largely a non-event by talking about Critical Mass. Which is really a risk for the event in general. It needs to differentiate itself from Critical Mass and eject the sort of people who show up at Critical Mass.

Reason for the time is not just the heat. Parties do not start at 5:30. Parties start around 8:30. :)

I dig what's going on here... get's people off the couch and on bikes AT LEAST once a month. I don't think I could ever go on one of these, though. Riding at 2MPH with a bunch of strangers on city streets just seems a little boring - maybe if I was in my 20's looking for girls to hit on, or if I had some crazy Art bike I'd want to show off.

MTB rides with hipowered HID lights under the moonlight on dirt singletracks with a group of 10 riders... now that seems more my speed.

I have yet to go on this ride, but there's a ride we call "Beers not Gears" done in Santa Cruz in the dead of winter where we shuttle up about 2 dozen beach cruisers and descend the muddy singletracks. The bikes have to be old and have coaster brakes. :D Seems work always get's in the way of this ride for me :mad:

As far as "social night ride" goes, this is the route I'd personally go.

My brother asked me about it, "What is this thing going on in San Jose?"

"Oh, San Jose Bike Party... dude, it's a scene."

"What do you mean, a scene? What's the route?"

"Oh, it's like a 17 mile flat ride through San Jose."

"Forget that."

"It's a scene, bro. People are on Walmart bikes to fashion fixed gears."

"Oh okay... let's bail."

*sound of MTB shoes clicking in pedals.*

To each his own! But I prefer a mass of fun loving personalities on a balmy night over the cold, competitive isolation you described. You see the pure joy of cycling on peoples' faces. Comical expressions of joy throughout the crowd. You look sideways while cruising along with 20 beautifully young people immediately around you, chatting and riding, filling 2 of 3 lanes comfortably spaced shortly after the start and clipping along with the beat of trance music (or disco, or death metal, or hiphop, or I-don't-know-what-to-call-it-'cause-I'm-old) wafting through the air. It's a celebration of the bicycle. It's a bike party!

It's generally about a 20+ mile ride and the vast majority bike to and from it. And it's great to hear some complain about the hills going over the freeways! 8^) These are the people keeping the bike shops in business. I'm not talking about the 10% show-off kids, or the 10% drunks, or the 10% clueless girls, but the 70% "everyday people" Sly Stone sang about.

Join us! All it takes is a bike, nothing else.

i've heard about this. kinda like a midnightridazz, bay area edition. just from looking at the pics it seems to have grown rather large over a short period of time.

It was started by a few of those responsible for San Jose's Critical Mass, which fizzled, and modeled after the midnightridazz rides to get away from the CM rep.

I went last month, it was all in good fun, and definitely not intended to inconvenience motorists or confrontational. Some people did have too much to drink, but they ate dirt and got some bruises as a punishment, so it was all good.

To each his own! But I prefer a mass of fun loving personalities on a balmy night over the cold, competitive isolation you described. You see the pure joy of cycling on peoples' faces. Comical expressions of joy throughout the crowd. You look sideways while cruising along with 20 beautifully young people immediately around you, chatting and riding, filling 2 of 3 lanes comfortably spaced shortly after the start and clipping along with the beat of trance music (or disco, or death metal, or hiphop, or I-don't-know-what-to-call-it-'cause-I'm-old) wafting through the air. It's a celebration of the bicycle. It's a bike party!

:lol: You just described our "cold, competitive isolation" rides. :lol: (except the filling of 2-3 lanes).

I get the bike party - it's a scene - that's not a bad thing. But I believe it's more about the social scene than the bike scene. And that's not bad - it's good!

What is bad is when thousands and thousands of riders who prefer a "bike party" in their own way is viewed as "cold and isolated". If you've ever climbed thousands of feet through a heavily wooded area through nasty, nasty singletrack conditions or stopped for some incredible food during a road bike century, participated at 24 hours of adrenaline MTB race or rode in a BMX Jam where people are letting it all hang out for the glory of 20" bikes - you'd realize that it's everything BUT isolation. Competition, yes (in some cases)... but bike parties, in different forms, have been going on for years. The most incredible partying I've ever witnessed among cyclists was at the 24 Hours of Adrenaline - the night before a race! I've seen BMX'ers land flatland combos that nobody's ever seen before to get them doggy-piled by dozens of fellow riders in absolute joy and amazement. Organized rides/races (Tour De Cure, Livestrong, Strawberry Fields Forever, Santa Cruz Mountain Challenge, 24 Hours of Adrenaline, Sea Otter, Surf City Classic, etc.), BMX Jams and other forms of gathering cyclists definetely are "celebrations of the bicycle" - don't get it twisted!

The bike party is a great way for the average riders on every type of bike chill and socialize - and that's great as long as it doesn't bother folks. I think if Bike Party did some cross promoting for cycling causes such as Livestrong to bring more riders out to that - that would prove that there is purpose and reasoning behind it instead of just being a scene. Imagine if 1/3 of the riders who rode Bike Party signed up for Livestrong or Tour De Cure? The impact it would have! Or how about a toy drive, feeding the homeless, a bicycle repair canopy for underpriviledge kids so they can participate with their families (pull them away from fast food and XBox), or what about a bicycle co-op?

What I'm saying, is make purpose out of it. Don't just be annoying for non-cyclists... give back to the communty and make that a statement. All the above mentioned events have purpose behind them, if they are not races, they are connected to some sort of charity (the BMX example is connected to "Byke Project"). Bike Party would get more respect from the general cycling community - because right now, many cycling groups are judging not in the favor of this - add real advocacy with tangible results, and I'm sure some opinions will change. Because right now, SJBP looks like a cluster f - it's already being likened to Critical Mass, and that's not good.

what i'm saying, is make purpose out of it. Don't just be annoying for non-cyclists... Give back to the communty and make that a statement. All the above mentioned events have purpose behind them, if they are not races, they are connected to some sort of charity (the bmx example is connected to "byke project"). Bike party would get more respect from the general cycling community - because right now, many cycling groups are judging not in the favor of this - add real advocacy with tangible results, and i'm sure some opinions will change. Because right now, sjbp looks like a cluster f - it's already being likened to critical mass, and that's not good.

+1

I certainly agree that those mentioned above find huge enjoyment of their respective cycling events, despite my characterization of them. Difference is, the Bike Party enthusiastically accepts all riders, helmet or not, uniform or not, new bike or not, unlike the large organized group rides also just mentioned.

OK, OK, let's not go into plusses and minuses of helmets, uniforms and new bikes. Fact is that the exclusionary policy of helmet requirement alone pushes many cyclists away, myself included. I think what we're seeing at the Bike Party is a statement about just that. The obviously unnecessary barrier those helmets represent to those who value "thinking outside the box", individuality, and questioning authority while still wanting to simply ride a bicycle. From my perspective, the events you cited are attended by The Borg. No offense, just my perspective. And not SJBP's perspective, as they recommend wearing a helmet. Big difference between require and recommend.

There's certainly been discussion about community participation, for example by collecting canned food or something like that. But it's just a party. Does everything have to serve a bigger purpose? What the heck is wrong with a simple party? Lighten up!

Helmets are required on almost all organized bike rides because of the insurance companies. I assume that the SJ bike party has no insurance. That means that the organizers are taking a huge personal risk. I hope there are never any injuries.

Helmets are required on almost all organized bike rides because of the insurance companies. I assume that the SJ bike party has no insurance. That means that the organizers are taking a huge personal risk. I hope there are never any injuries.

YES. I was going to organize a BMX Flatland Jam and stepped away from it due to the liability issue.

I certainly agree that those mentioned above find huge enjoyment of their respective cycling events, despite my characterization of them. Difference is, the Bike Party enthusiastically accepts all riders, helmet or not, uniform or not, new bike or not, unlike the large organized group rides also just mentioned.

OK, OK, let's not go into plusses and minuses of helmets, uniforms and new bikes. Fact is that the exclusionary policy of helmet requirement alone pushes many cyclists away, myself included. I think what we're seeing at the Bike Party is a statement about just that. The obviously unnecessary barrier those helmets represent to those who value "thinking outside the box", individuality, and questioning authority while still wanting to simply ride a bicycle. From my perspective, the events you cited are attended by The Borg. No offense, just my perspective. And not SJBP's perspective, as they recommend wearing a helmet. Big difference between require and recommend.

There's certainly been discussion about community participation, for example by collecting canned food or something like that. But it's just a party. Does everything have to serve a bigger purpose? What the heck is wrong with a simple party? Lighten up!

Have you ever attended those events? How can you judge if you've never attended or participated? I've been big "bike party" type events, so I can make a fair assessment. I don't hate them or love them. However, until you actually ride in a charity event, I don't think you have the right to call these people "The Borg". It's unfair and absolutley not correct.

But, I have to question: are you saying the record breaking numbers I helped raise for Diabetes research and education was Borg-like? That during the entire ride, I had all the people I knew with diabetes - family members, friends and aquantances... some who have lost their legs, some who have died, many with type II and type I - on my mind with every stroke of the pedal? Every hill I climbed, every drop of sweat was for them.

I'm sure the people who have had loved ones die from cancer or AIDS riding Livestrong or the AIDS ride would be absolutely offended being called "The Borg".

Let me recall the time that I climbed my first 17% grade hill and at the top I had fellow cyclists CHEERING for me - all who didn't even know me.

My Flatland BMX friends raise their arms in victory for landing a trick they've been trying for years and all of us going nuts... that's Borg-like?

What I'm saying is this: SJBP puts on a show like they are trying to create bicycle awareness, just like CM is trying to do... and then get's up in arms that they are being judged negatively by cyclists and non-cyclists alike. What I am proposing is that with those types of numbers, just OFFERING the option of giving back to the community in some way would give some credibility to the ride AND would not hinder the "party" atmosphere. From my experience, when drivers KNOW that you are riding for a real cause, they tend to respect what you're pedalling for.

Or, SJBP can just go on as it is and continue to get the negative media responses.

To me, I don't really care since I'm not into it. However, I'm offering this suggestion if they want to steer away from the CM notoriety.

From the website:


Bike Party aims to collaborate with the many local and regional organizations whose missions dovetail with our own, from local businesses and governments to bike advocacy and cultural organizations.

SO DO IT. Let's see something come out of this aside from pissing off drivers. That's the last thing bicycle riders need.

I've heard that the insurance policy recommended by the League of American bicyclists says nothing about helmets. I challenge anyone to post the actual wording in a bike club insurance policy that requires helmet wearing.

And why doesn't the signing of a liability waiver address the issue? I've been told by more than one club ride organizer that bike clubs push for helmets "just to cover my ass", "just in case", and "why not, it sets a good example for the kids". Nothing to do with insurance company requirements. It's a hysterical meme, accepted by the well intentioned gullible with absolutely no regard for statistical risk analysis and a childlike clinging to a fourth grade demonstration of gravity with a watermellon.

But again, why doesn't the liability waiver make helmet requirements unnecessary?

And Dion Rides, I have the right to call anybody anything I want. It's just my opinion. YOU might not agree with my opinion, but I have EVERY right to say it. And just because YOU and a lot of other cyclists raise money for special interest causes by riding your bikes doesn't mean that everyone who rides together as a group must do the same. What business is it of yours, or anybody elses, how those riding in SJBP contribute to charitable causes?

The only negativity I've heard about the San Jose Bike Party comes from the "serious" bike club community, as represented by you here. The same "serious" bike club community that's pissed off Woodside residents so much. And Sausalito. And drivers in Marin in general. Again I say: lighten up.