Somobody posted something on bikeforums.net that I thougt would be worth sharing.

QUOTE:
If I'm part of a political protest that's meant to change public policy, then the way it's done is just as important as what's being asked for. If groups of cyclists on the road are known for being disruptive above and beyond what is necessary to get what they want, then nobody will budge for us. Why would they?

Scenario A: CM riders Riders 'cork' intersections without a word. The group rides around in circles at lights, sometimes surrounding cars and yelling at the drivers. They lean on cars, zip between lanes at a moment's notice, and ride on sidewalks. In a 3-lane road, they take the entire thing, and a few riders make it a point to slow to a stop in front of cars at random times just for fun. Anyone trying to rein in the jerk riders is told to f*** off, because I can do whatever I want, man because I have rights. (I've seen all of that BTW.)

Scenario B: CM riders cork intersections by holding up signs saying 'thank you for waiting'. The corkers work in groups of two: one holds up the sign, while another says 'hello' to the drivers, and hands out pamphlets explaining what CM is trying to accomplish (better laws and traffic design to enable cycling as an equal vehicle), why they're being 'corked' (safety for cyclists and drivers) and to have a nice day. On long stretches, the riders keep to one lane (allowing traffic to pass through, the same way they would if roads were better designed to handle bikes). Any cyclist being a jerk to cars was scolded by the group and reined in, making the ride more attractive to families and people of all ages.

Which one do you think will change the minds of the city government, or attract the widest number of people, or cause the least amount of negative feedback from drivers?

CM in San Diego has a sizable contingent of 'hate the man' idiots that are a combination of uneducated, immature and entitled. They circle in the middle of signals shouting out '**** THE RICH!'. They go out of their way to intimidate people in cars. They don't want equality or acknowledgment, they want to throw tantrums and get revenge. They're dirtbags and punks. It may be only 10% of CM at most, but it's the 10% that make the news, get talked about, and sway opinion.

I avoid those people in real life, and I won't condone them by participating in a 'protest' with them.

You know how I make my political statement? I commute wearing bright colors. I use plenty of hand signals. I stop at red lights. I wave to drivers that are obviously going out of their way to be careful around me. I apologize when I do something rude. (You'd be amazed at how much good that does.)

Midnight Ridazz in L.A. seems to be OK with having some manners. I haven't been to one yet, but their website has explicit directions on how to 'share the road' and be friendly to drivers.

Here's the original thread, which is largely deviod of anything else useful.


I love that our critical mass has more in common with scenario B than scenario A, but there have been times people showed up that seemed to want nothing more than to anger motorists. I admit to a certain amount of jackassery on critical mass, but I think it's important that we keep our CM as friendly and courteous as possible in order for it to be a positive thing.

Thoughts? How are we doing? What can we do better?