Criticle Mass bike rides

Bob Newman said:

I know the theory and think I know the practice but I'd like to get people's
opinions on these Critical Mass bike rides.

What do you hope to accomplish by asking something like that?

Some of us like them and attend them. Others are generally supportive
but can't be bothered to show up, or are skeptical about whether
anything good can come of them. Others think Critical Mass is
counterproductive to cyclists' interests, and still others just want
them to get out of the damn way.

It's a topic that makes high-pressure types pop their gaskets. But
you probably already knew that.

Chalo

Bob Newman said:

I know the theory and think I know the practice but I'd like to get people's
opinions on these Critical Mass bike rides.

http://tinyurl.com/32tgje
http://tinyurl.com/2vmtuy

They're more or less the worst bike advocacy possible. I've ridden two
in Chicago, and the percentage of aggro 6 million dollar hippies made
it pure misery.

Bob Newman said:

I know the theory and think I know the practice but I'd like to get
people's opinions on these Critical Mass bike rides.

You should keep your late Friday open at the end of the month and ride
along. Then you can form your own opinion.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

Thanks for the input and search help.

Bob

"landotter" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Bob Newman said:

I know the theory and think I know the practice but I'd like to get
people's
opinions on these Critical Mass bike rides.

http://tinyurl.com/32tgje
http://tinyurl.com/2vmtuy

They're more or less the worst bike advocacy possible. I've ridden two
in Chicago, and the percentage of aggro 6 million dollar hippies made
it pure misery.

Bob Newman said:

I know the theory and think I know the practice but I'd like to get
people's opinions on these Critical Mass bike rides.

They don't belong in Wreck Tech.

HTH!

Bob Newman said:

I know the theory and think I know the practice but I'd like to get people's
opinions on these Critical Mass bike rides.

--
Thanks... Bob

http://critical-mass.info/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Mass

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=189314458200750949 (50 minute
movie)

http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=critical+mass+rides&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv

"Bob Newman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Where I have a problem is that it is my understanding that on some (if not
many) of these rides the whole idea ois to "create a nasty situation which
really inconveniences motorists and creates a "tyranny of the majority".

The original idea was actually to present an alternative to the daily
"tyranny of the majority" presented by the motorists, who really
inconvenience each other and everybody else without even trying.

clive

Clive George said:

"Bob Newman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Where I have a problem is that it is my understanding that on some (if not
many) of these rides the whole idea ois to "create a nasty situation which
really inconveniences motorists and creates a "tyranny of the majority".

The original idea was actually to present an alternative to the daily
"tyranny of the majority" presented by the motorists (snip)

Serving as a wonderful focus for anger against "cyclists".

Just what we need!

Quoted message said:

(unsnip, repeat noun) the motorists, who really
inconvenience each other and everybody else without even trying.

Well, maybe $30 gas will finally put an end to most of that.

Like in Amsterdam, a very expensive city where many can't afford a MV;
when the standard of living goes low enough, that will make some
people happy at last.

"Be careful what you wish for", and enjoy the porridge! --D-y

Clive George said:

"Bob Newman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Where I have a problem is that it is my understanding that on some (if not
many) of these rides the whole idea ois to "create a nasty situation which
really inconveniences motorists and creates a "tyranny of the majority".

The original idea was actually to present an alternative to the daily
"tyranny of the majority" presented by the motorists, who really
inconvenience each other and everybody else without even trying.

Homeopathy was discredited a hundred years ago.

On Jan 26, 9:31 am, "[email hidden]" <[email hidden]> wrote:

Just trying to get [censored] straightened out after an oversight.

Apologies to the populous. --D-y

"landotter" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Bob Newman said:

I know the theory and think I know the practice but I'd like to get
people's
opinions on these Critical Mass bike rides.

http://tinyurl.com/32tgje
http://tinyurl.com/2vmtuy

They're more or less the worst bike advocacy possible. I've ridden two
in Chicago, and the percentage of aggro 6 million dollar hippies made
it pure misery.

Please convert my ignorance to understanding, what is an "aggro 6 million
dollar hippie?"

Are there openings for the position? If so where can I apply?

Dave

Quoted message said:

On Jan 26, 9:31 am, "[email hidden]" <[email hidden]> wrote:

Just trying to get [censored] straightened out after an oversight.

Apologies to the populous. --D-y

Well THAT cleared things up! LOL

Quoted message said:

It's a topic that makes high-pressure types pop their gaskets.
But you probably already knew that.
Chalo

...hissssss...damn that was funny...

Best Regards - Mike Baldwin

Bob Newman said:

I know the theory and think I know the practice...

I looked at a map of Massachusetts and could not find "Criticle". Please
provide further directions to these ride.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"And never forget, life ultimately makes failures of all people."
- A. Derleth

Quoted message said:

Clive George said:

"Bob Newman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Where I have a problem is that it is my understanding that on some (if not
many) of these rides the whole idea ois to "create a nasty situation which
really inconveniences motorists and creates a "tyranny of the majority".

The original idea was actually to present an alternative to the daily
"tyranny of the majority" presented by the motorists (snip)

Serving as a wonderful focus for anger against "cyclists".

Just what we need!

Quoted message said:

(unsnip, repeat noun) the motorists, who really
inconvenience each other and everybody else without even trying.

Well, maybe $30 gas will finally put an end to most of that.

Like in Amsterdam, a very expensive city where many can't afford a MV;
when the standard of living goes low enough, that will make some
people happy at last....

Do not make the mistake of confusing standard of living with quality of
life.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"And never forget, life ultimately makes failures of all people."
- A. Derleth

Tom Sherman said:

Quoted message said:

Clive George said:

"Bob Newman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:[email hidden]...

> Where I have a problem is that it is my understanding that on some
> (if not
> many) of these rides the whole idea ois to "create a nasty situation
> which
> really inconveniences motorists and creates a "tyranny of the
> majority".
The original idea was actually to present an alternative to the daily
"tyranny of the majority" presented by the motorists (snip)

Serving as a wonderful focus for anger against "cyclists".

Just what we need!

Quoted message said:

(unsnip, repeat noun) the motorists, who really
inconvenience each other and everybody else without even trying.

Well, maybe $30 gas will finally put an end to most of that.

Like in Amsterdam, a very expensive city where many can't afford a MV;
when the standard of living goes low enough, that will make some
people happy at last....

Do not make the mistake of confusing standard of living with quality of
life.

Seeing a lot of bikes in Amsterdam has nothing to do with standard of
living. Bikes are the most practical way of transportation there.
- short distances,
- flat,
- stuck traffic,
- no parking spots,

etc. etc.

Lou

Lou Holtman said:

Tom Sherman said:

Quoted message said:

On Jan 26, 8:47 am, "Clive George" <[email hidden]> wrote:
> "Bob Newman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> Where I have a problem is that it is my understanding that on some
>> (if not
>> many) of these rides the whole idea ois to "create a nasty situation
>> which
>> really inconveniences motorists and creates a "tyranny of the
>> majority".
> The original idea was actually to present an alternative to the daily
> "tyranny of the majority" presented by the motorists (snip)

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Serving as a wonderful focus for anger against "cyclists".

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Just what we need!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> (unsnip, repeat noun) the motorists, who really
> inconvenience each other and everybody else without even trying.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Well, maybe $30 gas will finally put an end to most of that.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Like in Amsterdam, a very expensive city where many can't afford a MV;
when the standard of living goes low enough, that will make some
people happy at last....

Quoted message said:

Do not make the mistake of confusing standard of living with quality of
life.

Seeing a lot of bikes in Amsterdam has nothing to do with standard of
living.

They can't even afford air for their bike tires.

Quoted message said:

Bikes are the most practical way of transportation there.
- short distances,
- flat,
- stuck traffic,
- no parking spots,

etc. etc.

Not to mention expensive gasoline, expensive housing, high taxes.

Great place to visit, not sure I'd commit to swapping from USA
residence.

Even in the throes of early morning insomnia, no thanks on looking up
a whole bunch of statistics on this, if you'll forgive me.

Except I'm sure they have far, far fewer unintended teen pregnancies;
far, far fewer people in jail; much lower infant mortality, and longer
life expectancy. Plus assisted suicide, and a much calmer and more
realistic (rational) outlook on "life" in general. Well, what can I
say, it makes a great object lesson, "secular v. religionist".

Actually, in respect to those considerations (FWIW etc. etc.), my idea
of a great place to live would be something of a combination of the
two.

When I've talked to my Dutch in-laws, the reasons they give for
establishing residence, and having their children, in the USA are
centered around economic opportunity, linked to "upward social
mobility" to some extent at least. --D-y

Quoted message said:

Lou Holtman said:

Tom Sherman said:

[email hidden] wrote:
> On Jan 26, 8:47 am, "Clive George" <[email hidden]> wrote:
>> "Bob Newman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
>> news:[email hidden]...
>>> Where I have a problem is that it is my understanding that on some
>>> (if not
>>> many) of these rides the whole idea ois to "create a nasty situation
>>> which
>>> really inconveniences motorists and creates a "tyranny of the
>>> majority".
>> The original idea was actually to present an alternative to the daily
>> "tyranny of the majority" presented by the motorists (snip)
> Serving as a wonderful focus for anger against "cyclists".
> Just what we need!
>> (unsnip, repeat noun) the motorists, who really
>> inconvenience each other and everybody else without even trying.
> Well, maybe $30 gas will finally put an end to most of that.
> Like in Amsterdam, a very expensive city where many can't afford a MV;
> when the standard of living goes low enough, that will make some
> people happy at last....
Do not make the mistake of confusing standard of living with quality of
life.

Seeing a lot of bikes in Amsterdam has nothing to do with standard of
living.

They can't even afford air for their bike tires.

Quoted message said:

Bikes are the most practical way of transportation there.
- short distances,
- flat,
- stuck traffic,
- no parking spots,

etc. etc.

Not to mention expensive gasoline, expensive housing, high taxes.

Great place to visit, not sure I'd commit to swapping from USA
residence.

Even in the throes of early morning insomnia, no thanks on looking up
a whole bunch of statistics on this, if you'll forgive me.

Except I'm sure they have far, far fewer unintended teen pregnancies;
far, far fewer people in jail; much lower infant mortality, and longer
life expectancy. Plus assisted suicide, and a much calmer and more
realistic (rational) outlook on "life" in general. Well, what can I
say, it makes a great object lesson, "secular v. religionist".

Actually, in respect to those considerations (FWIW etc. etc.), my idea
of a great place to live would be something of a combination of the
two.

When I've talked to my Dutch in-laws, the reasons they give for
establishing residence, and having their children, in the USA are
centered around economic opportunity, linked to "upward social
mobility" to some extent at least. --D-y

Don't want to start a discussion what place is better to live, but I
invite you to come over and look how the working class people here live
their lives especially when they are sick, unemployed or old. I think
our tax money is better spent.

I visit the USA an Canada this fall for a vacation, but I'm sure I be
glad I can go home after 4 weeks ;-)
How many Americans have the time and money to spend 4 weeks in Europe
for a holiday? No not people who are retired.

Cheers,

Lou

Quoted message said:

Lou Holtman said:

Tom Sherman said:

[email hidden] wrote:
> On Jan 26, 8:47 am, "Clive George" <[email hidden]> wrote:
>> "Bob Newman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
>> news:[email hidden]...
>>> Where I have a problem is that it is my understanding that on some
>>> (if not
>>> many) of these rides the whole idea ois to "create a nasty situation
>>> which
>>> really inconveniences motorists and creates a "tyranny of the
>>> majority".
>> The original idea was actually to present an alternative to the daily
>> "tyranny of the majority" presented by the motorists (snip)
> Serving as a wonderful focus for anger against "cyclists".
> Just what we need!
>> (unsnip, repeat noun) the motorists, who really
>> inconvenience each other and everybody else without even trying.
> Well, maybe $30 gas will finally put an end to most of that.
> Like in Amsterdam, a very expensive city where many can't afford a MV;
> when the standard of living goes low enough, that will make some
> people happy at last....
Do not make the mistake of confusing standard of living with quality of
life.

Seeing a lot of bikes in Amsterdam has nothing to do with standard of
living.

They can't even afford air for their bike tires.

Quoted message said:

Bikes are the most practical way of transportation there.
- short distances,
- flat,
- stuck traffic,
- no parking spots,

etc. etc.

Not to mention expensive gasoline, expensive housing, high taxes.

Great place to visit, not sure I'd commit to swapping from USA
residence.

Even in the throes of early morning insomnia, no thanks on looking up
a whole bunch of statistics on this, if you'll forgive me.

Except I'm sure they have far, far fewer unintended teen pregnancies;
far, far fewer people in jail; much lower infant mortality, and longer
life expectancy. Plus assisted suicide, and a much calmer and more
realistic (rational) outlook on "life" in general. Well, what can I
say, it makes a great object lesson, "secular v. religionist".

You forgot to mention decriminalized cannabis and legalized prostitution
- laws in all the US for the former and almost all for the latter -
which are immoral government intrusions into what should be private matters.

Quoted message said:

Actually, in respect to those considerations (FWIW etc. etc.), my idea
of a great place to live would be something of a combination of the
two.

When I've talked to my Dutch in-laws, the reasons they give for
establishing residence, and having their children, in the USA are
centered around economic opportunity, linked to "upward social
mobility" to some extent at least. --D-y

But if you were ever too sick to work or otherwise disabled, the
Netherlands would be a much better place to live (unless you were
independently wealthy).

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"And never forget, life ultimately makes failures of all people."
- A. Derleth