Cycle Savvy

2007-09-27T05:05:00.001-07:00

Click image enlarge

2007-09-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

warsaw critical mass - a photoset on Flickr

2007-02-26T17:20:00.000-08:00

warsaw critical mass - a photoset on FlickrSome of mighty Finn's pics from recent Warsaw Critical Mass. Not bad for a two year old!

Dobry wieczor.

Witamy w Warszawka.

Blimey, it ain't half cold mum.

Warsaw Critical Mass is the biggest in Eastern Europe, apparently. Going strong since 1998. They get at least 100 each month in the winter (and that’s a REAL winter) and up to 2000 in the summer.

I'm over here sort of working for a week. So I went to say hello, take some photos and all that.

There was about 100-150 on the mass. Which is a pretty good turnout, considering it was minus 15 degrees, icy, patches of frozen snow here and there. And I tell you what, the streets of Warsaw (capital city, population 1.8million) are dodgy. Pedestrians need to build up a critical mass to cross the street, even with the "green man" lit. Cars just go through the lights, until enough of a crowd builds up and edges onto the road, forcing the cars to stop. So you can imagine the problems that cyclists have to deal with.

Anyway, if your interested, I've stuck some photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/theemightyfinn/sets/72157594552413123

But also you may be interested in checking out their website. These are really organised critical massers. They got maps of previous routes (seem to be about 25km), loads of stuff and enough in English to give an idea of what they are about.
http://www.masa.waw.pl/en/index.html

Do zobaczenia,

Michael C

cyclingedinburgh.info

2007-02-26T13:23:00.000-08:00

cyclingedinburgh.info

Critical Mass handbill

2007-02-21T15:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a new Critical Mass handbill or poster image I made recently. The background image was snapped by someone else and can be found in the link. The art series galleries at http://www.fixedgeargallery.com have lots of nice retro art ripe for "detournement". Anyone who likes it can click on the image below for a printable version, or e-mail me for a photoshopped blank background to which you can add your own words. It could use some work on the contrast. The top half looks washed out in print.

Get the irony? ;)

Fillthathole.org.uk

2007-02-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

The CTC magazine this month carried a feature about an excellent new website from the CTC.  You report a dangerous pothole to "Fill That Hole" with a Google Maps applet (photograph optional) and they bother your council about fixing it.  It goes onto a list, and in the event that it hurts another cyclist, your report helps them get compensation.  This could save me the cost of a rim or two..

Please share this info with all your cycling friends!  Smooth roads are arguably more important than bike paths for cyclists.  You never know when you or someone else is going to come a cropper from council neglect!

Critical Mass Wiki

2007-01-21T07:11:00.000-08:00

Critical Mass WikiHello Critical Mass folk!

Have you seen the new Critical Mass wiki information site? It's at:

http://criticalmass.wikia.com/

Like Wikipedia it's user-editable, so anyone can edit and add pages. What
this means is that information can be added, for free, to publicise any
local ride! For example:

http://criticalmass.wikia.com/wiki/Sydney
http://criticalmass.wikia.com/wiki/Brighton
http://criticalmass.wikia.com/wiki/Chicago

There's a fairly comprehensive list of rides that has come from the old
Wikipedia page on the subject:

http://criticalmass.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_rides

Please help grow this site by adding any information where you see a red
link or out-of-date information. It'll help to advertise your local ride.

You have to register with Wikia to make edits, but this is free and easy:

http://criticalmass.wikia.com/index.php?title=Special:Userlogin&type=signup

Please copy and paste this message to anyone you know who's involved in
local Critical Mass rides. Spread the word!

Vive la velorution!

:-) Isaac, UK

Critical Mass Workshop at Glasgow Women's Library, Thursday 15th February

2007-01-15T04:45:00.000-08:00

Ever felt like cycling in the city - but been too scared? Want to go green, get fit and make friends? Critical Mass is a happy coincidence of cyclists who meet up every month to make our streets safer, saner and more fun. Come along and find out about Critical Mass Glasgow - we'll show films, have a chat and maybe decorate our bikes for the next run. Plus information on road safety and other cycling groups. Everyone welcome, BYO bike if you want!

Glasgow Women's Library, 81 Parnie Street, Glasgow
Thursday 15th February from 6.30pm

*If people are inspired by this workshop there will be the chance to meet up and join the next Critical Mass on Friday 23rd February.* http://www.critical-mass.org/

N.B. Glasgow Women's Library is a women only venue.

Vanunu Freedom Ride

2007-01-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

Faslane - Edinburgh - London April 2007 On 21st April 2007, Mordechai Vanunu will have been held captive in Israel for 21 years. For telling the world that Israel was secretly developing nuclear weapons, Vanunu spent 18 years in prison – 12 of these in solitary confinement. Vanunu was released from prison in April 2004, but is still not free. His freedom of speech, movement and association are all severely restricted in clear contravention of his human rights. He is denied a passport, and not even allowed to leave East Jerusalem without permission. He is forbidden to communicate with foreigners or discuss Israel’s nuclear weapons, and suffers continuing harassment by the Israeli authorities. 21 years’ detention is 21 years too long. Website



Perils for Pedestrians Episode 105: Dublin, Velo-City 2005 - Google Video
2006-12-15T01:00:00.000-08:00
Perils for Pedestrians Episode 105: Dublin, Velo-City 2005 - Google Video


outside Bike Station on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
2006-12-02T16:16:00.000-08:00
outside Bike Station on Flickr - Photo Sharing!


Sore Shoulder
2006-11-10T08:02:00.000-08:00
My shoulder hurts. Last night I got nudged (I won't say "knocked") off of my bike in stationary traffic. Coming into town at the bottom of Hope Street a little after "rush" hour I was manouevering towards the green advanced stop bike box in the left hand lane. There was a clunk sound, followed by a thud as I was unbalanced into the back windscreen of the car in front, accompanied by some rattling as I slid down to the ground on top of my bike.

Normally I'm quite, how should I put it, pro-active about my safety in relation to cars, buses or other antisocial roadusers. If I get the slightest hint of trouble from a driver, I'm not shy about announcing my presence and/or annoyance. You don't get any credit from them for being meek and polite. The bad drivers just won't notice you and the good drivers wouldn't have come anywhere near you. So I found my reaction to this quite interesting.

I was very polite. I picked myself and my bike up quickly and quietly and got off the road to check the damage. When the guy who hit me came over to apologise I was falling over myself to reassure him that I was OK and just waiting to catch my breath.

Why did I do that? At first I wasn't sure that it was his fault. I hadn't seen the car move (wearing a hood) so there was a possibility that I'd caught the car. Except I do that manoeuvre all the time. I know the gap was big enough and I went through the centre of it. But the car couldn't have moved, why would it? The lights remained red until I was up and off the road.
The mystery was only cleared up as the driver left (after having checked his side bumper, natch). The last thing he said to me was "you were moving so fast". That wouldn't matter if he hadn't been moving forward to close the gap in front of him. I wasn't moving fast at all, no more than walking speed, and as I said before the traffic lights were red, so he had no call to be moving. I had my lights on, batteries fully charged but the top I was wearing was black.

I wouldn't say I had a lucky escape. That would imply I was doing something foolish. Moving to where I'm supposed to be isn't that. I went there the sensible way, staying away from the 3/4 buses that were blocking the inner lanes.

Incidentally, that Advanced Stop Box I was aiming for stretched across all 3 lanes until recently. Now there's one to turn right and one to go straight ahead and left, nothing in the middle - despite the need to be in the right hand lane once you hit Hope St proper. The next junction forces all traffic except buses and bikes Left. So if you were to go straight ahead in the leftmost lane, you run the risk of that traffic cutting across you as you carry on up the hill. (In fact staying in the left lane for all of Hope St is a bad idea because of the buses racing each other, but you still get dogs abuse from the ignorant bastards in the metal boxes for not cycling in the gutter.)

If the Council hadn't shrunk that stop box, I would not have had to move across to it and wouldn'tve been hit by a daydreaming driver. There's problems with the road on the other side of the bridge too but what alternative route is there into that side of town? None.


The Bike Works presents a Magical Mistery Tour !
2006-10-26T15:21:00.001-07:00
The Wheels are turning
(see bellow for upcoming events!!)

The idea behind the Magical Mystery Bike Tour is to open the doors to the Magical World of cycling. Those participating in this trip will not only have the chance to see the world in a completely new light, but they will never want to leave their bikes again. From then on, instead of reaching for the keys to their car, they will be taking their two wheels to discover the mysteries hidden in the bike world as they peddle to their desired destination.

One of the most magical aspect of cycling is that you move slower than when you are in a car and you have the freedom to stop whenever, wherever you wish in order to appreciate things that catch your attention. If you hear music that you enjoy, you can stop and watch the musician stroll past you blowing through his/her saxophone. 

The Magical Mystery Tour is on it's way with many surprises and magical interventions ahead. The group that met up last Thursday began thinking of performers, dancers, and buskers that we might know. We want to use the freedom cycling offers in order to allow the space and the time for something magical to take place. The action for the week is to get in touch with all these creative people and ask them to contribute some of their magic for those touring on bikes. UPCOMING EVENTS

BIKE DECORATIONS AND COSTUME MAKING WORKSHOPS !! FREE !!
!! Make props and costumes for the Carnival of health and the magical mystery tour at the same time !!

WHEN?
Monday Nov 6 - Thursday Nov 9 from 5pm until 8pm
Friday Nov 10 - time?

WHERE?
Canival Art Center 34 Albion St

CARNIVAL OF HEALTH
!! It would be great to have a strong bike presence at this event !!
WHEN?
11th of November.
Leaves from George Sq at 11 am.

WHY?
It aims to raise awareness of how our greenhouse gas emissions are damaging our health as well as our environment; Raise sponsorship funds for a health/environmental charity of your choice; Pledge to reduce you emission; and to ask the Scottish Parliament to reduce the nations' emission.

WHERE?
At Glasgow Green there will be solar and pedal-powered musc, talks, information stalls, family fun activities and an 'eco-healthy world travel circuit'.

Find out more: ecohealthyscot@yahoo.co.uk
www.stopclimatechaosscotland.org


Cycling As anti-Social Behaviour
2006-09-19T09:32:00.000-07:00
As if CCTV cameras weren't offensive enough already

From an article about loudspeaker-equipped CCTV cameras.
'This isn't about keeping tabs on people, it's about making the streets safer for the law-abiding majority and helping to change the attitudes of those who cause trouble. It challenges unacceptable behaviour and makes people think twice.'
The [reactionary rag of a newspaper] watched as a cyclist riding through a pedestrian area was ordered to stop.
'Would the young man on the bike please get off and walk as he is riding in a pedestrian area,' came the command.
The surprised youth stopped, and looked about. A look of horror spread across his face as he realised the voice was referring to him.
He dismounted and wheeled his bike through the crowded streets, as instructed.
Law-abiding shopper Karen Margery, 40, was shocked to hear the speakers spring into action as she walked past them.
Afterwards she said: 'It's quite scary to realise that your every move could be monitored - it really is like Big Brother.
'But Middlesbrough does have a big problem with anti-social behaviour, so it is very reassuring.'
2 questions:
Who's shouting at the cars? "Would the gentleman in the BMW please pull over and apologise to the cyclist he just cut up?"
What's more disturbing, someone cycling through a pedestrian precinct, or a loudspeaker telling those pedestrians what to do?
As far as I'm concerned, you don't get much more antisocial than a voyeur hiding behind a camera giving orders to people. How long before a bored operator starts making sexist comments or freaking out drunks for a laugh?


Tell Blair to "Get on His Bike!"
2006-09-17T03:32:00.000-07:00
BIKES not BOMBS! CYCLE RALLY OUTSIDE THE LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE FRIDAY 22ND SEPT ASSEMBLE 5.30PM ALBERT SQUARE MANCHESTER Tell Blair to "Get on His Bike!" The protest will leave from the Green bridge over Mile End Road E3 at 6.30am on Thursday 21st Septmeber to cycle to Birmingham,and continue to Manchester on Friday 22nd  in time to join the cycle rally at 5.30pm.
*      Bring a group from wherever you are to the cycle rally in Manchester! 
*      Join the London cycle at the start or along the way!
*      Do some of it or all of it!
*      Bring your bike on the train to Manchester!!! 
*      Get a loud hooter for your bike! 
For more information contact Graham Turner at: Jackie.turner@jackieapp.demon.co.uk


cycling for the disabled
2006-09-16T14:32:00.000-07:00
cycling for the disabled
People with disability are even more deprived of exercise than the rest of us. One of the best ways to address this is special needs cyling. Adapted cycles exist, for one two, or more people. Some use hands instead of feet and each machine can be built around a specific needs, for example, if you have only one working limb, a bicycle can be made for you. Common Wheel in Maryhill Glasgow has a project for building these machines. And the project is next to the canal towpath, a perfect venue for traffic free rides. British Waterways have for years kept the canal closed by barriers, but the new director is, as of 2006, opening his heart to disabled rights. Pretty soon these amazing bikes will be going along the canal, and subsequently into the town and joining critical mass. I HOPE. 



2006-09-06T03:08:00.000-07:00
Although no-one is in control or in charge, thank goodness, there will be a group of people hanging out and chatting about all manner of things regarding bicycles, traffic blah blah blah. At somepoint, it's likely that the next CM will be brought up by someone although this in no way makes it a meeting about anything. We might just all sit in silence. Who knows. Langdown Church, Gt western rd, Thursday at 7.30pm.


International day for raising awareness of  & Faslane 365 benefit gig
2006-09-06T03:02:00.000-07:00
November 4th has been declared an international day for raising awareness of climate change, to coincide with talks in Kenya about the Kyoto Protocol.In Glasgow pro-health activists are organising a sponsored run/walk/cycle to 
highlight that individuals’ health is directly linked to the health of their 
environment. Currently our “Dear Green Place” is increasing its carbon 
emissions through increased air travel, more roads, more cars, and a hike in 
public transport costs - Making our green place and its residents an 
unhealthy grey.

All motivated to take action come to an open meeting in Mono (10 Kings 
Court, King Street, Glasgow, G1) at 6pm on Sunday 10th September.

This is after the Faslane 365 benefit gig called ‘A celebration of political 
song’ staring Rory McLeod, Alistair Hulett, Robb Johnson, Seize the Day and 
Pat Humphries & Sandy O. Which is from 13.00 to 17.00 at St Andrews in the 
Square, Salt Market Glasgow (£7/5).

See you there.


CTC - the UK's national cyclists organisation
2006-08-21T09:14:00.000-07:00
CTC - the UK's national cyclists organisation
Cyclist who refused to stay in the gutter loses court case

A cyclist who was prosecuted for inconsiderate cycling, whilst cycling in accordance with the National Standard for cycle training, has today been found guilty by a District Judge in Telford Magistrates Court and fined £100 with £200 costs.


Bicycle Fixation: Bicycling and the New Civility
2006-08-12T08:31:00.000-07:00
Bicycle Fixation: Bicycling and the New CivilityMultiply the strength of your body with each turn of the crank, and multiply the strength of your heart with each fellow rider you meet, on the street and in these pages.


Registration for bikes?
2006-07-28T02:33:00.000-07:00
London Mayor proposes number plates for bikes
The Times today reports on London Mayor Ken Livingstone's desire to implement a cycle numberplate plan to catch lawless riders.
CYCLISTS in London could be made to fit numberplates to their bikes under plans being drawn up by Ken Livingstone, the capital’s mayor.

All bicycles would be registered so that riders breaking the law, by cycling on pavements or going through red lights, could be caught on traffic cameras. Mr Livingstone is also investigating a possible ban on jaywalking, which is illegal in some countries.


London Critical Mass cyclist wins in High Court
Meanwhile, other news from London that you may have missed is that a High Court judge has ruled that the London Critical Mass is a "commonly or customarily held" procession and so does not require participants to give advance notice to the Metropolitan police

Friends of the Earth press release: Critical Mass cyclist wins judicial review against Met Police.



BEN Namibia
2006-07-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

BEN Namibia aims to achieve its goal of national bicycle distribution by starting bike shops in partnership with welfare organisations. The organisations will benefit through selling BEN Namibia's refurbished bikes in the communities where they operate, and the communities will benefit through access to affordable bikes.


2006-07-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge


Indymedia Scotland: Perth Critical Mass
2006-07-06T09:49:00.000-07:00
Indymedia Scotland: Perth Critical Mass
There will be a Critical Mass in Perth on the 15th July. Meet @ the South Inch Car Park 12pm. Bring Bikes, Skateboards..UniCycle's..prams..and a smile...


CRITICAL MASS IS NOT JUST RIDING ONCE IN A MONTH!
2006-05-26T14:16:00.003-07:00





































































































































































ciemmona 2006 - interplanetary critical mass in roma, italy
2006-05-15T01:11:00.000-07:00
Next CM in rome is going to be a big event!
     ciemmona 2006 - interplanetary critical mass in roma, italy      


Bellahouston Park Velodrome
2006-04-27T15:27:00.000-07:00
Under the cobblestones, the beach!:  Velodrome being built on excavated running track

A concrete velodrome is being built in the northwest corner of Bellahouston Park, adjacent to Bellahouston Drive.  Construction began in March and staff at the local sports centre say it should be completed by the end of May. The tracks' dimensions seem to have been dictated by the excavated running track upon which it is based, at 420 meters long, with 7 degree bankings. Velodromes are usually either 250, 333 or 500 meters long.

Positively however, the council has apparently stated that it will be for any cyclist to use without restrictions, in contrast to more "professional" velodromes like Meadowbank in Edinburgh, which are only for clubs.  Plans are afoot for a Monday night racing league and a variety of junior events. In the early 20th century track cycling was a huge spectator sport in Glasgow, with velodromes at the Ibrox and Parkhead football stadiums. Maybe we could see a mini rennaiscence of urban cycle racing?











Party in Glasgow, Pooped in Brighton
2006-04-02T09:01:00.000-07:00
So the Party on Friday was fun
At least i thought so once i stopped fretting over video projectors. The films shown were (mostly) from this collection, but if you can only download a couple I'd go for "Dear Pedestrian" cos it's short and funny. We also showed an exclusive compilation of gratuitously spectacular mountain bike crashes (courtesy of mr. A) and a scuba cycling DVD (which we only managed to get working around 2AM.

Sounds like plans are being hatched for April, plans with red noses and big shoes. Think carnival and circuses....

Unlike in Glasgow, Critical Mass in Brighton got trouble from their police. Boooo! Hisssss!



Post Critical Mass Party this Friday
2006-03-28T12:28:00.000-08:00
Bike Films, Warming Food & Music
This Friday there's a party at the Saorsa Social Centre

They'll be showing "cycling shorts" (from Oregon in a DIY-style) and providing food and beer for weary bike legs. Invite below.



*SAORSA PARTY*
*FRIDAY 31sT MARCH*
from 7pm onwards

Films    Food    Music    Bar
 
Come join us for a party at the SAORSA SOCIAL CENTRE this Friday.

The films we'll be showing are a collection of CYCLING SHORTS, including gratuitous Mountain Biking (to cater for the Critical Massers) and (maybe) V FOR VENDETTA ("Imbecilic", says Alan Moore: see if he's right).

Music from funky DJ AB-SENSE and warming winter food from the Rebel Cafe




The Saorsa Centre is located at 674 Pollokshaws Road.

The nearest underground station is Bridge Street. Turn left out of the station onto Pollokshaws Road. Keep walking until you get to the MacDonalds.

Any bus going towards Eglington Toll (e.g. 38, 38A and 45) will take you there, just get just past the MuckDonalds and keep walking in the same direction.

Cross over the Calder Street junction and keep walking until you spot Flames Takeaway on the right-hand-side. The social centre is through the gated archway to the right of Flames. We're round the back and the entrance is to the right behind the big crate.



Hey it's Mass time again
2006-03-26T12:31:00.000-08:00






Everywhere's at it!
2006-03-15T08:58:00.000-08:00
Critical Mass in Perth    
After a successful Critical Mass rebirth in Aberdeen, the UK's oil capital a couple of weeks ago, now Perth's joining in the fun too.

Meet this saturday (18th) at 12noon at South Inch carpark. "Bring bikes, trikes, prams, drums, whistles, banners and a sense of humour".



The Vanunu Freedom Ride
2006-03-13T09:38:00.000-08:00
http://vanunufreedomride.org.uk/
support us by organising practical help and publicity for the cyclists. We also welcome any donations and creative ideas for publicity-raising events or activities.


Pedalling into spring
2006-03-06T06:52:00.000-08:00
15th March 2006 - George Square

The Pedalling into Spring' Event is bringing together a number of different agencies promoting safe cycling as practical, healthy, cheap and environmentally friendly alternative to the private car.  Information stands, together with free security cycle marking, will be available.  There will also be two thrilling shows by

'Jez Avery - the UK's No 1 Mountain bike stunt performer'.

The shows are both scheduled for 12.30 and 1.30pm.

Everyone is very welcome.

This event seems to be mainly for schools (organised by the School Travel Planning Team of Glasgow City Council), so perhaps something to inform the schools of your children about.


Cyclists driven off road by new Highway Code
2006-02-28T09:13:00.001-08:00
Worrying news through from the Cyclists Touring Club:Cyclists driven off road by new Highway CodeA seemingly innocuous addition to the new Highway Code, which tellscyclists to 'use cycle facilities...where provided', will have seriouslegal implications for those who choose to cycle on the road. CTC fears insurance companies are likely to use the wording of the new Code, which has recently been re-drafted, as an excuse to reduce the amount of compensation that they pay if a motorist hits a cyclist that has chosen to use a road rather than a nearby cycle facility.   CTC Campaigns & Policy Manager, Roger Geffen, told newsnet: "Cyclists have the right to choose a direct route using roads rather than the meandering, badly-designed and poorly-maintained paths that often pass as cycle facilities. This well-intentioned but highly prejudicial Highway Code rule must be changed before it's too late." The online CTC campaign to change the wording of the draft Code takes less than 2 minutes to join. To help get this changed click here
- --------- Forwarded message ----------
Subject: RE: Changes to Highway Code

Apologies for the reposting but I'd like to encourage people to fill in
the forms that are linked to at the bottom of John's email.  Let's get a
good response!  :-) 

http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4303
http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=3996
http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4092

The three are for different campaigns so please (if you agree with the
proposal :-)) fill them in.



- --
Geraint Bevan
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/geraint.bevan
 











Cyclists driven off road by new Highway Code
2006-02-28T09:13:00.000-08:00
Worrying news through from the Cyclists Touring Club: Cyclists driven off road by new Highway Code A seemingly innocuous addition to the new Highway Code, which tells cyclists to 'use cycle facilities...where provided', will have serious legal implications for those who choose to cycle on the road.CTC fearsinsurance companies are likely to use the wording of the new Code, which has recently been re-drafted, as an excuse to reduce the amount of compensation that they pay if a motorist hits a cyclist that has chosen to use a road rather than a nearby cycle facility. CTC Campaigns & Policy Manager, Roger Geffen, told newsnet: "Cyclists have the right to choose a direct route using roads rather than the meandering, badly-designed and poorly-maintained paths that often pass as cycle facilities. This well-intentioned but highly prejudicial Highway Code rule must be changed before it's too late." The online CTC campaign to change the wording of the draft Code takes less than 2 minutes to join. To help get this changed click here
 - --------- Forwarded message ----------
Subject: RE: Changes to Highway Code

Apologies for the reposting but I'd like to encourage people to fill in
the forms that are linked to at the bottom of John's email.  Let's get a
good response!  :-) 

http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4303
http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=3996
http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4092

The three are for different campaigns so please (if you agree with the
proposal :-)) fill them in.



- --
Geraint Bevan
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/geraint.bevan



Glasgow bike library
2006-02-14T06:23:00.003-08:00
Glasgow bike library
13th 24th February 06
10am  6pm
9-11 West Graham Street,
Cowcaddens, Glasgow

COME ALONG.

Bikes to borrow, film screenings,
Pedal powered  information  highway,
Bike maintenance workshops, guided cycle tours
Resource Wheel

Part of AYE at GSA

For more info, contact and reply to-
glasgowbikelibrary@riseup.net

Visit www.glasgowbikelibrary.co.uk


House of Lords
2006-01-31T15:07:00.000-08:00
House of Lords Thursday, 26 January 2006. Cyclists
Whether they will take steps to ensure that bicycle users abide by the Highway Code


Oilcrashmovie
2006-01-24T14:31:00.000-08:00
A 90minute documentary on the planet’s dwindling oil resources


JAM74 Septathalon Challenge, Sun 5th Feb, 10.30am
2006-01-16T09:55:00.000-08:00
JAM74 Septathalon Challenge, Sun 5th Feb, 10.30am The Scottish Executive have decided to go ahead with the M74 Northern Extension, a 6-lane elevated motorway through the southern suburbs of Glasgow, despite a recommendation from the Public Local Inquiry that the road should not be built. JAM74 is calling for a halt to the road plans and for a comprehensive study of all transport options for the area. There has yet to be any independent research on alternative transport options or the effects of the motorway on communities and the environment.

The M74 Northern Extension, costing up to £1 billion would be Scotland's most expensive transport project. Plans show a road raised on 40 feet concrete stilts for parts of its journey from Carmyle in the east to Kingston in the city centre.

As part of a fundraising campaign to challenge the Executives decision in the courts, we're holding a septathalon challenge along the proposed route of the road, utilising seven different forms of transport, including bikes, buses, trains and tricycles! This is a team event and we recommend teams of three people. If you would like to enter a team, or want to find out more about the event please contact Richard Morran at 

On registration we'll send you out an  information pack including the route map and  rules.

Please also find a sponsor form attached, so you can start fundraising. If you are unable to enter a team but would like to help raise sponsorship for another team, please also contact Richard at the address above.

www.jam74.org



Mordechai’s freedom ride
2006-01-06T14:59:00.000-08:00





NY New Video Evidence Shows NYPD Covert Surveillance of Cyclists and Protests
2005-12-28T08:09:00.000-08:00
Cycling advocates have faced targeted surveillance and policing over the past year. We bring you excerpts from the documentary "Still We Ride," which traces the police crackdown on Critical Mass bike rides in New York City since the Republican National Convention. [includes rush transcript] (top link)


Articles about bycicle tinkering - For do it yourselfers
2005-12-17T13:21:00.000-08:00
Articles about bycicle tinkering - For do it yourselfersTo invent, you need a good imagination

and a pile of junk. --Thomas Edison


A weekend out with the Critical Mass
2005-11-28T01:57:00.000-08:00
On the 25th of November, bikers took to the street from all areas of Glasgow for a fun, peaceful and entertaining ride. The ride managed to be more conscious of staying together through traffic lights and keeping a regular pace which really made a difference when car drivers started to get a bit nervous. Around 35 people showed up despite the freezing whether and about 25 of them stayed until the mass arrived at the Soarsa Social center on the south side for some delicious food and films (also delicious). 

A few stops were necessary along the way, including the Shell petrol station to fill up our bikes, and the Mc Donalds drive through to encourage people to at least make the effort to get out of their cars to get their food (lazy gits). As for the films, we watched some short videos from the London and Budapest Critical mass as well as the Still We Ride.

 Still We Ride is a documentary about how the police are attempting to stop critical mass bike rides from happening. This is a similar case from what is being pushed in London so I would recommend checking it out. It seems that anything involving enough folk to change public perception about our destructive addictions (the car and oil in this case) is being violently repressed by our governments. This is not because such acts present any actual threat to anyone's safety, it's simply because for a few moment, governments loose control.

 A spontaneous group of individual on wheels that choose to go where and when they move for no other reason than to enjoy the ride is far from easily repressed. Everyone knows that bikes are the best means of urban transportation, it's just a matter of showing that doing it is even better. The more bikes we get on the streets the safer and healthier the urban environment will be ... That¹s it.

. A small group of critical massers, flew to the rescue of the Radiance lighting Festival for the 186 Human Generator which desperately needed bikers on bikes to generate some of the energy that would power the performance (check out the performance at http://www.radianceglasgow.com/generator.html). So we arrived at Merchant Square 5 minutes before the beginning of the show, explained that we were critical mass, that we like to pedal our bikes, can we help? We were then brought into a small white hallway with a bunch of teenage dancers looking us up and down, handed bright yellow jackets and told the following instructions: "first you go up the stage, at the whistle you bow, come down, half go the right, half to the left and start pedaling until the lights go out" ... Confused? So were we as we legged it up this momentous stage surrounded by a by transparent screen with the crowd cheering us on. We bowed (for what, I'm not entirely sure), came down, and went to our well dodgy bikes. The show was composed of numerous interesting bits that were loaded with potential but were ruined by the sterile environment of Merchant Square. Imagine what you could do with projections, bikes, break dancers and musicians out on the street ... Possibilities are endless.

 Anyway, it was a very interesting event, but the best part was by far to go to an event as a group, as critical massers. I was no longer just the odd biker that liked the idea of ridding on a bike for a laugh. I was part of a group that strongly believes bikes are a better, healthier and more entertaining way to go.

 An interesting point was that we should be more visible as critical mass in order to push this idea because once we were on those bikes at that performance in Merchant Square, we could have been anyone to the eye of the public ... Is anyone up for making critical mass T-Shirts?? 

 On another note, Saturday November 26 was Buy Nothing Day when the Rebel Clown army took to Buchanan Street for some retail therapy. "Buy Nothing, Get one Free" became the slogan of the day thanks to General Panic who hammered these words of wisdom into shoppers heads. Boxes filled with little nothings were passed across intersections and given away to people for free. Although shoppers seemed bemused and confused the action became more focused as Glasgow Kiss arrived at the SWAP SHOP at St Enoch Swaure. G42 and Glasgow Reshape came together to hold a Swap Shop which was brilliant and should be repeated. Flyers and information was handed, jokes were swapped for fruit and other goodness, and clowns creating general chaos attracted the attention of mindless shoppers. A great exercise of cross group co-ordination/collaboration and a great alternative to shopping. Overall, a grand success. Congratulations to all those involved. 

 Take it easy T 


CRITICAL MASS IS NOT JUST RIDING ONCE IN A MONTH!
2005-11-27T11:18:00.000-08:00
To unsubscribe send a blank email to g8bikeride-unsubscribe@lists.riseup.net

Bicycology Roadshow 2006

Coming out of the spectacular success of the G8 Bikeride 2005 ("pedalling from London to Scotland") is a bigger, shinier, more ambitious project. We loved working, cycling and demonstrating together so much that we have decided to try to reach more people in a similar way.

 This time the format is a bike roadshow involving workshops, outreach, climate change awareness, bike maintenance, bike-art, sustainable living, cinema, cafe and street performance. We will cycle to towns around the country linking up with local projects and campaigns to spread the word about all things bike-related. We are looking for people to join us who feel they have these skills or more.  These could be mechanical, artistic, musical, theatrical, educational, environmental, or even bike tricks.  

Help us push the boundaries of what can be done with using pedal power! We are also keen to hook up with relevant local projects,  so if you have something to offer then get in touch.  We are still open to ideas of places to visit, its gonna be happening for about month around august...it could be your town! To get involved contact info@bicycology.co.uk or come to the next meeting in Sheffield in late January/early February.


CTC Scotland & TRANSform Scotland - Strategies for walking and cycling?
2005-11-08T14:21:00.000-08:00
This is a one-day seminar to help campaigners (particularly those involved in cycling and walking campaigns) to get to grips with the new National Transport Strategy and the revised Regional Transport Strategies. It is an opportunity for any transport activists to come together to learn to work together. See link


Two wheels: good. Two legs: terrorist suspect
2005-11-01T13:40:00.000-08:00
Britain, UK news from The Times and The Sunday Times - Times Online


Next Critical mass fun -November
2005-11-01T08:54:00.000-08:00
The 25th of this month being buy nothing day'n all, a small group of people were thinking we should celebrate. That same day is going to be critical mass just to keep dem oil sucking machines nice'n slow. Perhaps a big skipped meal and a screening somewhere might be a good idea. There's possibility to get a space at Glasgow Uni for Screening and food if that's a idea. Aparently they've got projector there and films could be 'Still we ride" and a few others. So keep dem minds thinking ... It should be a grand day I reckon ... Oh and if anyone's interested in meeting up to sort out some subvertizing get in touch by Wednesday at the latest so that I don't have to reply to the whole list when we got a place and a time to meet. Take it easy T


This is what happens when Critical Mass London is threatened...
2005-10-29T08:58:00.000-07:00
Some interesting comment here


Critical Mass under attack! - CALL FOR SUPPORT!!
2005-10-29T08:42:00.000-07:00
Bit late with this anyhow!!!


Submitted by burningplanet on Mon, 2005-10-10 18:29. 
On Friday 30th September, those who joined London's monthly Critical Mass ride, found themselves being issued with letters from the Metropolitan Police, threatening arrests at future Critical Mass rides, unless the 'organisers' give notice of the route at least six days in advance, and warning that the police can impose restrictions on the rides once the advance notice has been given.The letter stated that the police are reviewing their 'policy' towards critcal mass.

A callout has been issued to make October's London Critical Mass the biggest one yet.

JOIN LONDON’S BIGGEST EVER CRITICAL MASS CYCLE RIDE -FRIDAY OCT. 28TH 

London CM meets at 6pm on the last Friday of each and every
month. The first 45 minutes or so is usually spent socialising and the ride has usually left the meet-up point by 7pm. On average the ride lasts about 2 hours but the time is flexible depending on who is there and what the weather is like. This meet up point is central, chilled out and great for pre-ride socialising/planning. 

There are a couple of bars/cafes nearby for any cyclists looking for refreshments. The ride often flows around central London taking in major tourist attractions. There is no set route, and the direction we move in is spontaneously chosen as we cycle. Anyone is free to join or leave the ride while it is taking place. The ride usually ends somewhere pretty central, often a pub! People on any form of unpowered wheeled transport are also welcome (eg skates, skateboards, unicycles, wheelchairs, supermarket trolleys…). 

SO WHY IS THIS CRITICAL MASS GOING TO BE THE
BIGGEST EVER? 

On Sept 30th police (who usually facilitate the mass in an
unobtrusive way) handed out warning letters to cyclists
(reproduced overleaf) in an indefensible attack on freedom of
assembly/expression/transport, and the mass will go ahead bigger and more fun than ever in the face of this unprecedented attempt at repression. 

Critical Mass in London has rolled on since 1994 without police threatening to use the POA to impose conditions. Why invoke it now when there's been no need up to now?
Why are they wasting time threatening innocent cyclists? Car
drivers flock together to block the roads on a daily basis
commuting to and from work. We don’t block the traffic – we AREthe traffic!!! 

www. criticalmasslondon.org.uk

More information is available at - indymedia

» login or register to post comments


Sports utility vehicles and older pedestrians A damaging collision
2005-10-08T01:43:00.000-07:00
 Two independent trends in the developed world are likely to reverse some of the hard won improvements that have been made in road safety. One is the ageing of the population; the other the increase in the use of sports utility vehicles (SUVs, high performance four wheel drive cars capable of off-road driving).The first trend produces a growing number of vulnerable road users; the second produces a likelihood of more severe injuries when vehicles and pedestrians collide. Public health professionals will need to work with transportation and road safety agencies to avoid the inevitable consequences of more vulnerable road users and more lethal vehicles.

 Among road users, pedestrians are already a group at high risk, and elderly pedestrians are particularly at risk. People over 60 are more than four times as likely to die if injured by a car than younger people1: in a pattern repeated around the developed world, older people in Ireland account for 30% of pedestrian deaths but only 11% of thepopulation.

2 The World Health Organization has recognised protection of 

older pedestrians as a key safety measure for this age group.3 Pedestrian protection is an even more pressing problem in the developing world. Pedestrian injuries and deaths from collisions with vehicles represent about 20% of automotive casualties in the European Union,4 but they rise to nearly 50% of casualties in developing countries, which have poorer roads and more travel by foot.w1 

 Pedestrian protection is achieved in several ways. These include separation of vehicles from pedestrians, reduction of vehicle speeds,5 w2 w3 the development of "smart vehicles" to avoid collisions, and improved vehicle design to reduce injuries to pedestrians.w4 The proliferation of sport utility vehicles represents a backwards step in safer vehicle design.

In Europe sales of SUVs have increased by 15% in the past year, while sales of standard cars have dropped by 4%.w5 In Ireland, SUVs now represent almost 8% of new registrations. In the United States 40% of new vehicles purchased are classified as light trucks or vans (many of which are SUVs).6 Gabler and Lefler have used the US fatal accident reporting system database (FARS) to analyse the relative dangers posed to pedestrians by these high fronted vehicles. Their results show that, for the same collision speed, the likelihood of a pedestrian fatality is nearly doubled in the event of a collision with a large SUV compared with a passenger car.6 Other studies have consistently showing higher rates (up to four times greater) of severe injury and death for pedestrians in collisions with SUVs.7-9 

 A common misconception is that the increased vehicle mass of SUVs is responsible for the increased hazard to pedestrians. In fact, although vehicle mass is important in car to car collisions, it is a minor factor in vehicle-pedestrian collisions given the disparity between the weights of the pedestrian and of the vehicle.w6 The increased mortality and morbidity from SUVs arises primarily from the geometry of the front end structure. In a typical collision between a car and an adult, the bumper strikes the lower legs and the leading edge of the bonnet strikes the femur/pelvis, causing the pedestrian to rotate towards the bonnet. This results in the bonnet or windscreen hitting the shoulders or head. After this further injuries often occur through impact with the ground. A key mitigating factor in injury severity is the relatively peripheral nature of the primary impact of the bumper to the lower legs.w7-w9 This affords some protection to the critical upper body regions in the primary impact, and the resulting body rotation on to the bonnet tends to further diminish the impact-a characteristic often called "wrap and carry." The principal pedestrian injuries from cars are predominantly fractures of the tibia and fibula and knee injuries from the primary impact with the bumperw10 and head injuries from the secondary impact with the bonnet or windscreen.

w11  SUV bonnets are higher than those of cars and this results in a more severe primary impact on the critical central body regions of the upper leg and pelvis.w12 Also, there is less rotation as the impact is closer to the body centre of mass, resulting in a more efficient transfer of energy. For example, raising the bonnet leading edge height from 600 mm to 850 mm increases the impulse by a factor of about two.w13 This results in a doubling of injuries to vulnerable regions such as the head, thorax, and abdomen.

9  Another group of vulnerable road users are small children, and a well described risk with SUVs are accidents in driveways, in which SUVs and light trucks are over-represented.w14 w15 This is probably a result of the increased height of the SUV and the driver's reduced ability to see things around the vehicle. 

 Thus the evidence shows that SUVs represent a significantly greater hazard to pedestrians than ordinary cars-and those pedestrians are getting older and more vulnerable. Addressing this threat requires an integrated approach from public health and transportation and road safety agencies (including vehicle designers). One measure should include changing crash investigation processes to identify SUVs in vehicle-pedestrian impact statistics. Given the increasing economic 

 importance of the SUV market to car manufacturers, traffic safety activists in the health professions will need to keep pressure on governments to make sure they don't put economic and industrial interests ahead of effective safety strategies.10 

 In the meantime, informing consumers of the increased risk to pedestrians from SUVs may represent a useful first step in raising public awareness. The Irish Medical Organisation has recently called on motor manufacturers and distributors to display warning notices on SUVs that advise potential purchasers of the increased risk of severe injury and death to pedestrians associated with these vehicles. Resistance from the industry to such initiatives is likely to be strong, just as it has been from the tobacco industry for warnings on cigarettes.11 Nevertheless, healthcare advocates should take heart from previous successful traffic safety initiatives.12 Addressing the hazards posed by SUVs to pedestrians is an emerging and real traffic safety challenge in the developed world. 

Ciaran Simms, lecturer in mechanical engineering, Desmond O'Neill, associate professor of medical gerontology

(arhc@amnch.ie) Trinity Centre for Bioengineering and Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

 {webplus.f1}Additional references appear on bmj.com 

Competing interests: None declared. 

 References

 1. Sklar DP, Demarest GB, McFeeley P. Increased pedestrian mortality among elderly. Am J Emergency Med 1989;7: 387-90.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] 2. National Roads Authority. Road Accident Facts Ireland, 2000. Dublin: National Roads Authority, 2000. 3. Hakamies-Blomqvist L, O'Neill D. Older people and road traffic injury. World Report on Traffic Injury Prevention. Geneva: WHO, 2004: 47. 4. European Transport Safety Council. Reducing traffic injuries through vehicle safety improvements-the role of car design. Brussels: European Transport Safety Council, 1993. 5. Liu XJ, Yang JK, Lovsund P. A study of influences of vehicle speed and front structure on Pedestrian Impact Responses using mathematical models. Traffic Injury Prevention 2002;3: 31-42.[CrossRef] 6. Lefler DE, Gabler HC. The fatality and injury risk of light truck impacts with pedestrians in the United States. Accid Anal Prev 2004;36: 295-304.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] 7. Henary BY, Crandall J, Bhalla K, Mock CN, Roudsari BS. Child and adult pedestrian impact: the influence of vehicle type on injury severity. Ann Proc Assoc Adv Automot Med 2003;47: 105-26. 8. Roudsari BS, Mock CN, Kaufman R, Grossman D, Henary BY, Crandall J. Pedestrian crashes: higher injury severity and mortality rate for light truck vehicles compared with passenger vehicles. Inj Prev 2004;10: 154-8.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

 9. Ballesteros MF, Dischinger PC, Langenberg P. Pedestrian injuries and 

 vehicle type in Maryland, 1995-1999. Accid Anal Prev 2004;36: 73-81.[CrossRef][ISI][Medline] 10. Breen J. Protecting pedestrians. BMJ 2002;324: 1109-10.[Free Full Text] 11. Chapman S, Carter SM. "Avoid health warnings on all tobacco products for just as long as we can": a history of Australian tobacco industry efforts to avoid, delay and dilute health warnings on cigarettes. Tob Control 2003;12 (suppl 3): 13-22.[Abstract/Free Full Text] 12. Breen J. Road safety advocacy. BMJ 2004;328: 888-90.[Free Full Text] _______________________________________________ Cm-roma mailing list Cm-roma@inventati.org https://www.inventati.org/mailman/listinfo/cm-roma 


Community Can Cycle Home Page
2005-10-06T05:20:00.000-07:00
Community Can Cycle Home Page


Budapest Critical Mass with up to 30,000 people
2005-10-01T13:49:00.000-07:00
Independent Media Center | www.indymedia.org | ((( i )))


Thinking of flitting (moving) no need for a van. Check this out
2005-09-23T01:01:00.000-07:00



Pedal in the Parks is a Common Wheel project enabling people with disabilities to enjoy cycling (volunteers wanted)
2005-09-22T10:02:00.000-07:00
If you can think of anyone who can do this voluntary work, please let them know: Common Wheel Pedal in the Parks Coordinator.
(Voluntary) Pedal in the Parks is a Common Wheel project enabling people with disabilities to enjoy cycling. The project was launched in Bellahouston Park in March 2004 in partnership with Glasgow City Council and the North West Area Learning Disability Team. Special cycles provided by the Lottery’s Awards for All scheme run on designated paths around the park. The project now needs a coordinator to manage the day to day sessions and to identify and develop potential growth areas.

The coordinator will need the ability to liase with a large number of agencies and individuals. A high level of organisational skill is therefore required. The candidate should be a keen cyclist with an interest in developing all aspects of cycling for people with special needs. Experience in community projects is required and mechanical ability is desirable. Excellent interpersonal skills and an understanding of learning disability are essential.

Although the position will be initially voluntary, it is envisaged that it will develop into paid employment. Number of hours worked will depend on how much time and energy the volunteer can commit but will be at least one day per week.

Contact:  Norman Armstrong, Common Wheel, 53 Chapel St, Glasgow, G20 9BD. 0141 946 0777: normstrong73@hotmail.com




World car free day
2005-09-17T12:35:00.000-07:00
c.i.c.l.e. ::: cyclists inciting change thru live exchange


Educating the motorist
2005-09-10T10:50:00.000-07:00
Been talking with some people about how to improve the effectiveness of our once a month meetup. Perhaps we need to stick out a bit more, bright jackets, more propaganda. If the idea is to get motorist out of their cars and on to their bikes we need to explain to them what we're about. Any ideas anyone?


Critical Mass Fri. 26 Aug. Glasgow
2005-08-29T01:42:00.000-07:00
A bit rainy this month, didn't stop the stalwarts though. There was about 12 or so of us and we had a good run, no cops, dished out a few fliers. The thing I notice is, each Friday, there are always different people on the run, new people to meet contacts to be made. What would be amazing though if occasionally we were all there at the one time. It is coming into the rainy season, maybe we should start to think about getting the idea across to the motorist, other bikers and the public of what critical Mass means. We need signs, clever bumff and imagination. Post your ideas here...


Cycle film festival hits London
2005-08-25T15:45:00.000-07:00
After five successful years in New York and San Francisco, the Bicycle  Film Festival is converging on London’s Cochrane Theatre.


Police break up evil biker gang
2005-08-25T15:37:00.000-07:00
What began as a traditional ride through the streets of Milwaukee for a group of bicyclists on Friday, July 29, ended in arrests, citations, and allegations of excessive force by some members Milwaukee Police Department.