CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.

Critical Mass 31st October

(18 posts)
  • Started 3 years ago by Danny_cycle
  • Latest reply from Danny_cycle

  1. Danny_cycle
    Member

    Hi there,

    The first Critical Mass ride in Edinburgh this year was a great success (the weather helped!). The next one is Sat 31st October 3pm.

    https://www.facebook.com/events/790002248486124/

    Thanks,

    Dan

    Posted 3 years ago #
  2. NiallA
    Member

    I really don’t feel that this is the time to be encouraging people to meet in groups. Wish you would reconsider doing this.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  3. Arellcat
    Moderator

    Advertising a date and location for Critical Mass is anathema to the notion of a critical mass by happenstance.

    I agree with Niall. CM has no business in the current climate.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  4. gembo
    Member

    The one last month was like a mini PoP

    Are police sanctioning? Or not involved?

    Posted 3 years ago #
  5. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    Political outdoor gatherings are specifically allowed under the regulations and guidance. Scot Gov are clearly wary of attempting to annul ECHR Article 11 rights.

    Organisers of events need to make them as virus-proof as possible but I think it would be unwise to accept the prohibition of political demonstrations right now. (And yes, I type that as an organiser of political demonstrations.)

    Posted 3 years ago #
  6. NiallA
    Member

    @IWRATS - and it is good that they are being wary. For me, the fact that this is allowed to happen, doesn't mean it should happen - I don't see the risk-benefit ratio being favourable.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  7. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    @NiallA

    I quite agree that frivolous events or those events with little chance of success should not go ahead.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  8. Danny_cycle
    Member

    Hi there,

    I totally understand the concerns about this. We discussed it a lot before the last ride, almost cancelling it. In the end we felt that if people are allowed to go to bars and restaurants, then riding far apart from each other, with masks on, outside, would not be viewed negatively by the public. The pandemic will last a long time and is very serious, but so is climate change and public health in general (cycle safety, pollution, exercise...).

    I think this was the right decision - it was a really good ride, and we got lots of positive thumbs up and cheers from pedestrians, cyclists who joined spontaneously and even motorists. I think we need more posters/banners though so it's clear what we are cycling for. Here are some photos:

    https://andycatlincom.pixieset.com/criticalmassedinburgh/?fbclid=IwAR0uHOMChxrdAJolD7yTMzVYOqZdGrAiQBolWtLNFWT9jAzEvWhSX67MwMY

    Finally - we did tell the police, who made positive noises and just reminded us that we must socially distance at the start/end of the ride.

    We will of course review the situation nearer the time. When I say 'we' - its just a loose bunch of people making the publicity - no official organisation or anything.

    Do you think it should not be called Critical Mass? I don't really know what to call it, most people don't know what 'Critical Mass' means, but its a catchy name.

    Cheers,
    Dan

    Posted 3 years ago #
  9. stiltskin
    Member

    Yes, as long as people are allowed to go to bars and restaurants just feel free to do whatever you like.
    I believe this is known as whataboutery

    Posted 3 years ago #
  10. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    Bit harsh. There is a climate emergency every bit as dangerous as the pandemic so I don't think judgement of relative risk is simple.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  11. Rosie
    Member

    As the police have cleared this, I don't see why people are taking umbrage. It's outside and people can maintain distance.

    I always thought Critical Mass was a kind of semi-organised happening of cyclists turning up and then going off together, not a formal demo like Pedal on Parliament with roads closing etc, however in this climate I think okaying it with the police is reasonable.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  12. Danny_cycle
    Member

    Rosie - yeah we were thinking of it more of a protest/campaign for safer cycling infrastructure, encouraging people to get on their bike, carrying forward momentum of the lock-down bicycle uptake etc.

    I don't know the history of critical mass so maybe it shouldn't be called that.

    'Monthly cycle protest'? 'Monthly reclaim the roads'? Any ideas?

    Posted 3 years ago #
  13. Rosie
    Member

    Ride the Roads?

    Posted 3 years ago #
  14. chdot
    Admin

  15. crowriver
    Member

    I won't be joining you* but I'm fully supportive of Critical Mass.

    More power to your pedals!

    * - Being of a. certain age and with a health condition that makes joining any sort of group gathering inadvisable during a pandemic.

    Posted 3 years ago #
  16. Wout Van Aerthur Seat
    Member

    A socially distant thumbs up from me. I was at the last one and there was a real effort to remain distant and masked up.

    See you on the 31st!

    Posted 3 years ago #
  17. toomanybikes
    Member

    More cycle lanes are likely to reduce viral transmission by pulling people out of taxis and public transport, so I'll (maybe optimistically) view the protests as a net transmission negative. (before considering other benefits)

    Posted 3 years ago #
  18. Danny_cycle
    Member

    Hi there, just a reminder that this is in Saturday.

    I put some photos here:

    https://www.facebook.com/events/790002248486124/?active_tab=discussion

    With some ideas of how to attach placards to your bike.

    Dan

    Posted 3 years ago #

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