Advocacy & Safety - Advocacy/activism poll

The definition of "active" is that you must be actually DOING something. Being a member or intellectually agreeing with something doesn't count.

Local council bike forum. Doing the groundwork for a BUG here too. I'd ride CM as well, but there ain't one here and it's not congested enough yet... YET.

So, CM is the only bike advocacy outside of pro racing? That's a very narrow idea of bike advocacy.

Edit: This was a really stupid comment on my part. Sorry.

So, CM is the only bike advocacy outside of pro racing? That's a very narrow idea of bike advocacy.

I think he means pro as in for not pro as profesional. I do not look at CM as bike advocacy, until someone steps up and takes responsibility for the actions of the group they really are not much more than rable rousers. I am a member of 2 cycling clubs and the Washington Bicycle Advocacy.

I'm an anti-speeding campaigner.
I think that will help cyclists as well as other vulnerable road users.
I believe it is up to ALL car driving cyclists to strictly adhere to the speed limits on the road. I do - off (and on) the bike.

I counted riding my bike as "some other pro-cycling activity".

To be truthful, other than as an object lesson or example that it can be done, I don't really do much to promote cycling.

Most folks write me off as some kind of crazy person festooned with lights riding through the snow. If they show any interest at all it is sort of like you are some kind of interesting new bug they just discovered.

I don't think you can be talked into utility cycling, you pretty much have to try it and see the advantages for yourself.

Dan

I think he means pro as in for not pro as profesional. I do not look at CM as bike advocacy, until someone steps up and takes responsibility for the actions of the group they really are not much more than rable rousers. I am a member of 2 cycling clubs and the Washington Bicycle Advocacy.
Now I feel stupid. And deservedly so. Sorry Mars.

heh, no problem ;)

Daily bicycle commuter. Oregon Bicycle Transportation Alliance member and volunteer. City of Portland Bicycle Advisory Committee member. City of Portland Community and School Transportation Safety Partnership Advisory Committee member. Critical Mass and Zoobomb participant. Car Free Day event organizer. Shift to Cycling participant and volunteer. Assist in distributing free helmets and lights to low-income cyclists. Write periodic letters to the editor on timely topics related to cycling. What's your excuse? :)

http://www.bta4bikes.org/
http://www.shift2bikes.org/index.html
http://www.portlandtransportation.org/bicycles/progstaf.htm
http://www.portlandtransportation.org/saferoutes/default.htm
http://www.zoobomb.org/

Whoa, hats off to randya. Very impressive (claps)

I wasn't trying to brag :o , I was just trying to show what's possible... A lot of this advocacy stuff doesn't really even take that much time. Usually a meeting at noon or in the evening once a month, perhaps doing a little 'homework' on your own, writing a letter occassionally, going to a public hearing to speak up for an important project you are passionate about. Rides and other participatory stuff with your friends are usually more fun than attending boring meetings with transportation bureaucrats, of course, but I think both are necessary if you really want significant change to happen. :)

I counted riding my bike as "some other pro-cycling activity".

To be truthful, other than as an object lesson or example that it can be done, I don't really do much to promote cycling.

Dan
Frankly, I think cycling responsibly on public roads on a regular basis does a great deal to promote cycling.

I recently bought a bike from a "yellow bike" program in my city. I got a really nice old vintage bike and convinced them not to paint it yellow. Mine for keeps. Great bunch, I thought. I started talking to the "head guy" about my bike commuting and he basically admitted he was still a "sidewalk cyclist."

What?

"Advocacy" without real-life experience can actually be counter-productive.

Frankly, I think cycling responsibly on public roads on a regular basis does a great deal to promote cycling.

I recently bought a bike from a "yellow bike" program in my city. I got a really nice old vintage bike and convinced them not to paint it yellow. Mine for keeps. Great bunch, I thought. I started talking to the "head guy" about my bike commuting and he basically admitted he was still a "sidewalk cyclist."

What?

"Advocacy" without real-life experience can actually be counter-productive.

Once again, you've gotten to the heart of the matter. I cycle responsibly on public roads everyday, I also give money to Bicycle Queensland (although I'm yet to get around to renewing next year's subscription), as well as looking after the financial affairs of my own advocacy group.

There are, however, a couple of issues that need to be made here. First of all, it's at best questionable whether CM really helps our cause at all. Sure, it's all well and good to make the effort, but just how productive is it? One must also ask the same questions of "car free" days and so on. Do they really help our cause? Or are they just another way for people to get out in a crowd and feel good about themselves for 30 minutes or so?

Also noting the point from Dan above, I get similar "interesting new bug" attitudes toward my utility cycling -- even though I've been demonstrating the benefits for years. I think people will only become serious utility (or any other kind) cyclists if they have a basic desire to do so. Organising all the "spontaneous" protests, painting all the lines on the road and all the rest of it might be a lot of fun, and it might make one able to say they've done a lot, but I'd like to see a quantifiable result here, because I'm not so sure there is one.

I dont know of any of them so i dont do anything.

Frankly, I think cycling responsibly on public roads on a regular basis does a great deal to promote cycling.

To a degree. But let's face it; no one notices you until something bad happens, etc.

I agree that cycling responsibly is important, and that any cycling by a courteous cyclist does good for all of us. However, the truth of the matter is that people in general don't remember the good ones, and only remember the bike messenger who got too close and made them drop their cup of coffee.

It's always the bad ones who stand out.

Critical Mass in NYC is a perfect example. 10 years of absolutely peaceful, quiet, and uneventful events. One bad one in August and now all of a sudden Satan rides in it with liberal hate America whackos.

It's all perception.

BTW: Hi: That's a sweet rig!

I am very active in the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, somewhat less so in the California Bicycle Coalition. I advocate safe accommodations for bicycles and I try to set a lawful vehicular example when I ride. I also do something for cycling by being alert, cautious, and courteous to cyclists when I drive.

I send emails to the city traffic engineer or public works when I encounter nonresponsive traffic signals or obstructions in bike lanes or shoulders.

Sorry CM fans. I share your objectives and sympathize with you, but I have concerns regarding the efficacy of your methods.

Sorry CM fans. I share your objectives and sympathize with you, but I have concerns regarding the efficacy of your methods.

I used to think that way...

It's always the bad ones who stand out.

Critical Mass in NYC is a perfect example. 10 years of absolutely peaceful, quiet, and uneventful events. One bad one in August and now all of a sudden Satan rides in it with liberal hate America whackos.

It's all perception.

Yes, there are perceptions, and cyclists are hugely stereotyped, and I agree that we shouldn't let it affect our behaviour. However, something I've often wondered about critical mass or a lot of the other methods. There's a lot of talk about people trying to defend critical mass from the negative publicity, but I'm still waiting to here of a single positive thing it's ever accomplished.

Okay -

1. I am a member of League of American Bicyclists

2. I am a member of Bicycle Colorado (Advocacy Group)

3. I was active (writing letters to the editor, making phone calls, internet notification and organizing of bike clubs) in fighting successfully a recent attempt to limit road bikes on certain portions of our trail system around here.

To a degree. But let's face it; no one notices you until something bad happens, etc.

I agree that cycling responsibly is important, and that any cycling by a courteous cyclist does good for all of us. However, the truth of the matter is that people in general don't remember the good ones, and only remember the bike messenger who got too close and made them drop their cup of coffee.

It's always the bad ones who stand out.

Critical Mass in NYC is a perfect example. 10 years of absolutely peaceful, quiet, and uneventful events. One bad one in August and now all of a sudden Satan rides in it with liberal hate America whackos.

It's all perception.
You make a good point, Vincenzosi. But I would argue that I am very much noticed.

Everyone at work notices. When the weather changes, they ask if I rode my bike to work in inclement weather. When I stop in at the store, a lady at the checkout says to me, "Hey, bicycle-man!" People notice me on the road, for good or ill. I get comments ranging from, "How far do you ride?" to "Get on the sidewalk!" Truth is, I stick out like a sore thumb.

What does that accomplish? I think it is like when you scratch the surface of glass with a glass-cutter: it doesn't look like you've done anything, but a little pressure in the right place and the glass comes neatly apart.

Most people where I live have always thought riding a bike on the street was out of the question.
Now they know I do it regularly over distances they all thought were impossible. Now, they know it's possible, because here I am to prove it.

Changing painted lines and signs and laws can all be done, but perhaps the most important change needed is in the minds of people who don't believe the bicycle is a valid form of daily transportation.

When I shop at stores that try to have a public face of environmental responsibility, I ask to receive my cyclists' discount. I haven't gotten any to change their official policy, but I have saved a few bucks on coffee and groceries.

I plan to pass two dollar bills out my car window to bicyclists, to thank them for saving the world, though, I haven't worked up the gumption to do this yet.

Oh, I've talked to a powerless cog in the parking office, at work, about improving cyclists' accomodations, and written suggestions for the suggestion box, located in " the bike cage".

i just ride my friggin' bike. that's active enough.

Cris L,
A single positive thing? Well, on any given night on a CM ride, we encounter cyclists riding on the sidewalk. We call thme out onto the street and tell them about the laws supporting their presence there and the statistics regarding safe vehicular riding. I have since seen many of those riders...riding on the street.

"Other."
I wear a "One Less Car" sticker on my helmet, and speak eagerly about commuting to anyone who asks.
Also, as someone upthread put it, I'm VISIBLE. Who knows how many car drivers pass me and think, "Hmmm, if she can do it, it must not be too difficult!"
We have a Critical Mass chapter here, but I've never ridden with them. The G.R. police are too handy with the pepper spray, I've heard.

Here's another idea: Portland has a Community Cycling Center that does the following:

1. Provides free bicycles to low-income adults and children
2. Teaches kids safe cycling habits
3. Teaches kids how to wrench / fix their bikes

Right now, they're in the midst of their holiday bike drive, their goal is to provide 1000 free bikes to deserving kids during the holidays. They also have a shop where they sell used bikes and the usual parts and accessories at reasonable prices, and some of the staff there are kids they trained to wrench.

This is 'hands-on' advocacy, it teaches skills, it gets more people on bikes, it trains them how to ride safely and how to maintain their machines.

http://www.communitycyclingcenter.org/

Again a poll that doesn't have a good choice. Active means doing something - I agree.
What I do:
-Ride in responsible manner on road, follow vast majority of traffic laws (lately have had some problems with 4-way stops ;) )
-Wear safe gear (bright clothes, proper lighting, etc.) - set example to others
-Talk to random motorists in friendly way - I get into lots of conversations to folks with windows open, convertibles, motorcycles, etc. while waiting at lights. All without any 'reason' (i.e. incident)
-Write letters to editor
-Work with company to provide bike commuting support
-Talk to others about biking safely & generate interest in bike commuting, more of us on the street will lead to more safety.

Al

Cris L,
A single positive thing? Well, on any given night on a CM ride, we encounter cyclists riding on the sidewalk. We call thme out onto the street and tell them about the laws supporting their presence there and the statistics regarding safe vehicular riding. I have since seen many of those riders...riding on the street.

Fine and dandy, but you hardly need to be in a CM to educate other riders. I've done it myself (educated riders). Whether they pay attention to you or not is independent of whether you are riding in a "mass" or not. I guess the question here is, do you do it everyday, or just the last Friday of the month at 5.30pm?

"Other."
I wear a "One Less Car" sticker on my helmet, and speak eagerly about commuting to anyone who asks.
Also, as someone upthread put it, I'm VISIBLE. Who knows how many car drivers pass me and think, "Hmmm, if she can do it, it must not be too difficult!"
We have a Critical Mass chapter here, but I've never ridden with them. The G.R. police are too handy with the pepper spray, I've heard.

-- One of my favorite books is Bill Strickland's "The Quotable Cyclist" and one of the quotes is by Jason Makapagal:
"In the city, ride like you're invisible. As if nobody can see you. Because a huge percentage of the time, nobody can."
(pg 195)
Words to survive by.

One of the best things we can do is RIDE and talk to people while in our bicycling regallia. I do what I can to dissolve the (perceived) distance between motorists and cyclists. Lots of folks seem to think cyclists are some kind of different species. While in my helmet and reflective garb, I talk about how I DRIVE MY CAR for long trips and ride my bicycle for short ones. My message is:
"AHA, THOSE CYCLISTS ALSO DRIVE CARS TOO ! They're not so elitist after all."

Everyone at work notices. When the weather changes, they ask if I rode my bike to work in inclement weather. When I stop in at the store, a lady at the checkout says to me, "Hey, bicycle-man!" People notice me on the road, for good or ill. I get comments ranging from, "How far do you ride?" to "Get on the sidewalk!" Truth is, I stick out like a sore thumb.

What does that accomplish? I think it is like when you scratch the surface of glass with a glass-cutter: it doesn't look like you've done anything, but a little pressure in the right place and the glass comes neatly apart.

Most people where I live have always thought riding a bike on the street was out of the question.
Now they know I do it regularly over distances they all thought were impossible. Now, they know it's possible, because here I am to prove it.

Changing painted lines and signs and laws can all be done, but perhaps the most important change needed is in the minds of people who don't believe the bicycle is a valid form of daily transportation.

This is EXACTLY what's happening with me and my coworkers. Down in my section, there about 12 people who work down here. I go out regularly to lunch with 4 of them. 3/12 people there know about cycling. 2/12 are clueless. The other 7/12 only know of it as something kids do and people eventually outgrow. So far, the 4 that I go out to lunch with, 2 of which are recently hired, have shown a lot more understanding of cycling as a lifestyle and 2 of them have actually expressed interest in commuting to work.

To a degree. But let's face it; no one notices you until something bad happens, etc.
It's all perception.

The local traffic cop at one of the high speed avenues (right under the BQE), she recognizes me and holds back cars for me sometimes to let me through. Certain construction workers and construction cars in the industrial park that I bike by on my way to work daily certainly notice and recognize me and will stop their fork lifts or whatever if they see me coming with no other cars around me. There's this one really busy intersection that I go through that has 3 streets leading into it plus the BQE highway offramp going into it where everyonce in a while I'll arrive there with the same bus or utility van, they usually wave me through and I recognize the bus number.

They might not recognize me if I'm only there every last friday of the month but they sure pick up on me fast if I'm there going to work every day. Especially if the weather gets nasty and I'm the only one still out there, it gets in their heads, "so THAT's the moron I keep seeing every day."

This poll is unfair or at the very least incomplete & limited. A person has to choose either that they do nothing at all, when in fact they very well might, or that they are involved in CM or involved in some type of pro-cycling activity. The scope you give people to choose from is too limited.

You need to include: Not involved in CM or pro-cycling activities, but involved in other recreational & non-pro-cycling advocacy & safety activities. Or something to that affect. Even what I suggested here can be broken down even further & added to, etc. But don't limit the scope of what you should give people to choose from.

I didn't vote in the poll, for 2 reasons: 1. It is way to limited. 2. I'm not active in any of the activities you did list but I am involved in both bicycle advocacy & safety in a very major way in my community.

Not everyone is involved in CM or pro-cycling activities.

Not everyone is involved in CM or pro-cycling activities.

Pro, as stated earlier, in this case means "for" not an abbreviation for "professional." So in that regard you're either involved in CM, some other "for" cycling activity, or nothing at all...

Another choice might be:"rides bike responsibly while wearing the clothing of Rohan, thereby promoting both cycling and Lord of the Rings."

I made the poll the way I did, not to capture every possible permutation, but to expand on an existing thread ("only in NY"). I also must admit that i have an overall theory that is driving the polls I have submitted for your consideration.

Chris L,
Your gorrilla icon is psyching me out :)

I admit that anyone could call folks off the sidewalk. However, in these cases I feel that the call was much more powerful and persuasive because there wer 25 or 30 of us. I think that it gave a greater feeling of cmmunity and safety.

In any case, ChrisL, I believe that I met your challenge of " a single positive" thin accomplished of a CM ride.

Chris L,
Your gorrilla icon is psyching me out :)

You think that's bad? You should have seen the "Mouth of the South" icon that I tried to replace it with a couple of years ago. :eek: