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
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.
Critical Mass 31st October
(18 posts)-
Posted 4 years ago #
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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 4 years ago # -
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 4 years ago # -
The one last month was like a mini PoP
Are police sanctioning? Or not involved?
Posted 4 years ago # -
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 4 years ago # -
@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 4 years ago # -
@NiallA
I quite agree that frivolous events or those events with little chance of success should not go ahead.
Posted 4 years ago # -
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:
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,
DanPosted 4 years ago # -
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 whatabouteryPosted 4 years ago # -
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 4 years ago # -
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 4 years ago # -
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 4 years ago # -
Ride the Roads?
Posted 4 years ago # -
Posted 4 years ago #
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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 4 years ago # -
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 4 years ago # -
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 4 years ago # -
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 4 years ago #
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