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Hysteria reaches Critical Mass in Vancouver ahead of 2010 Olympics
Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson (right) participates in a past Critical Mass bike ride.
Critical Mass has been going on in Vancouver for a long time. As a political tool promoting the agenda of cyclists, there's debate about whether it's effective. But over the years the event has remained the same: cyclists meet each month at a certain date and time, then go on ride without a predetermined route.
Things haven't changed, yet this week the establishment began demanding that Critical Mass follow a predetermined route and, because their demands haven't been met, this month's Critical Mass is being treated in both of Vancouver's daily papers as a crisis that must be dealt with—a "critical mass of civil disobedience" in the words of the Vancouver Police Department's Rick McKenna.
There are many large events in Vancouver that disrupt traffic: the Celebration of Lights, sporting events, etc. So why is an event that has happened every month for more than a decade now being portrayed as an impending crisis? Why is Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson suddenly "pissed off" that Critical Mass won't deviate from the model used by hundreds of other similar rides in the world?
The answer is fairly obvious. Critical Mass occurs on the last Friday of every month. In February 2010 it will occur on the 26th, two days before the closing date of the Olympics on February 28. This is likely why there's a sudden change of attitude on the part of local powers-that-be.
If the concern about Critical Mass is related to the 2010 Olympics, then why aren't the media and Robertson being up front about it? Why isn't this part of their argument?
Those arguing against Critical Mass are trying to push the notion that the event disrupts others and deprives them of their rights. If they admitted that their true concern with Critical Mass is related to the 2010 Olympics, they'd have to give up this argument because the disruption created by the 2010 Olympics will, in comparison, dwarf disruption related to Critical Mass.
This also strikes me as an another effort by the powers that be to continue Vancouver's reputation as a no-fun-city. Mike makes another good point that the critical mass ride goes on all over the world, in this format, with no problems. Why does Vancouver suck so hard when it comes to trying to have a little fun?
"Well... *sputter* *outrage* why should I?!?" The same reason that you have to when you know there's going to be a parade or some other event that's going to mess up your driving route.
As for during the Olympics. I say bring on the Critical Mass. It's going to be a big party anyways, a couple of hours with wacky bikers biking by will be even more fun!
Not everything needs to be controlled and planned to the finest detail, Mayor Robertson. Let us show the world that we're a city that can roll with it.
This event is just a nasty way for nasty people to be nasty to innocent hard-working Vancouverites who just want to get home to their families after a hard week of work. I can't imagine acting so selfishly towards others. Saddens me to think that these bitter, angry individuals would want to organize a group together for the sole purpose of making other people's day worse. It's just too bad. They should be ticketed.
Why don't you park your car at a Skytrain station and take that downtown?
You probably would have missed the party anyways trying to find parking on a Friday night on one of the busiest weekends of the year.
So do big construction projects that take out a section of the road and the sidewalk.
Have some common sense people!
One day, most of these temporary cyclists will move to Point Grey or buy their condos in Port Moody and will buy their Hybrids leaving cycling poorer and worse-off for having negatively impressed many thousands of basically cycling-sympathetic residents, bystanders and drivers.
I am going to ride my bike today, as far as possible away from the self-centred Critical Massholes who are out to do little more than party and make a nuisance of themselves.
Skytrain stops running earlier than any party end or club or bar closes up... so even though it seems like a good idea to get there... How do you get home after?
As for construction, at least the construction disruptions have the pay off in new infrastructure or facilities, the interruption is tolerable because of the reward. There is no reward for being disrupted by a bunch of people riding aimlessly around town.
Finally...
Why can't we fine the folks in this picture who are not wearing helmets while riding? I thought that was a law?
The only purpose of this event is to hurt others - there are millions of other ways to celebrate cycling that are not designed to hurt others.
There's no comparison with this event and construction projects, they are apples and oranges. Essentially, you're saying you want our roads, sewers, and water mains to deteriorate from a lack of maintenance. Awesome!
Critical Mass does not have a predetermined route and so pedestrians and transit can't just avoid it.
I've never participated in a Critical Mass in the past. I don't have a stake in it. I've watched it drive by, just like a parade. No political agenda from me. Just trying to offer my 2 cents.
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