CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.

Critical celebration

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  1. chdot
    Admin

    Following the tragic death of Audrey Fyffe her daughter says -

    "
    Mrs Brown said the family would also be supportive of a "critical mass" cycle ride through Edinburgh organised by the Capital's cycling community. Cyclists are keen that accidents do not deter those looking to take up commuting by bike and hope to promote better driver education.

    "

    http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/topstories/If-you39re-coming-to-my.6818057.jp

    So if you're a member of a cycling organisation I'm sure you'll be making sure that something gets organised.

    CCE is not a formal organisation as such but I'm sure many people 'here' will want to take part - and perhaps help organise and certainly publicise.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  2. crowriver
    Member

    That'll be Friday 26th August if it's the regular Critical Mass date? Or sooner?

    Posted 13 years ago #

  3. chdot
    Admin

    I suspect in this case the term "critical mass" doesn't directly refer to the worldwide 'last Friday of month' phenomenon.

    I think a weekend ride might suit a greater number of people - which ought to be a major consideration.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  4. Claggy Cog
    Member

    I agree with the sentiments of Audrey's daughter and yes it is very true that Audrey herself would approve of a critical mass type of ride being organised to increase car drivers' awareness of cyclists and that coming too close to us can cause just such deaths, let alone actually being run over or crashed into. We are similar to pedestrians in that we do not have protective shells to save us from injury and impact with large objects, and what is more we also share the road with four or more wheeled transport and don't have the luxury of being on a pavement away from it, being road users.

    @chdot - I agree about a weekend ride, and dare I say a Saturday would be better than a Sunday, as many more drivers are out and about, and although many more will be inconvenienced and annoyed, many more will possibly get the message.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  5. chdot
    Admin

    "a Saturday would be better than a Sunday"

    Might also be worth having a number of starting places and (perhaps) converge on St. Andrew Square then cycle along George Street (not sure Princes Street is 'safe' any longer for a mass ride - even of experienced riders - these days with the tram lines.

    Then perhaps Lothian Road and picnic in The Meadows.

    Presume the CTC is on the case(?)

    Posted 13 years ago #

  6. Claggy Cog
    Member

    @chdot, again I concur about Princes Street. I have not had any emails from the club about organising such an event, well not yet, and I may be wrong but the club do take ages to decide on anything, it all going through the democratic process usually with lots of discussion and no conclusion!! Your ideas above are good ones and I can put it into an email to everyone in the local part of the club, and see how it goes from there. There are people who have been members a great deal longer than I have and who know Audrey's family well, which I do not, and can pass on ideas to Linda et al too. If it is to be al fresco in the Meadows we will have to get a move on before autumn really sets in, but post Festival methinks.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  7. kaputnik
    Moderator

    Bring a bike and celebrate the life of a cyclist through the medium of cycling. Perfect. I think it's an excellent idea and would do my best to try and encourage others along through work etc. I think it's the sort of ride that - unlike many others (including critical mass) that can be divisive for cyclists - should be able to attract cyclists of all shapes, persuasions and sizes and from all corners and clubs of the cycling community.

    Sounds from the posts above that a Saturday soon after the end of the Festival would be appropriate. I shall pencil something along those lines into my imaginary diary.

    A tasteful poster could be devised to spread the word if it were deemed appropriate.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  8. SRD
    Moderator

    Bring a bike and celebrate the life of a cyclist through the medium of cycling. Perfect.... the sort of ride that - unlike many others (including critical mass) that can be divisive for cyclists - should be able to attract cyclists of all shapes, persuasions and sizes and from all corners and clubs of the cycling community.

    Indeed. My family would like to attend.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  9. SuzySuperJ
    Member

    I was greatly saddened by the news of this lady's death. My partner and I are both cyclists and are members of other sport clubs. (My partner was quite badly hurt by a car that hit him last year, from which he still has fitness issues.) We'd be very supportive of this event and would encourage our fellow club members to take part. I definitely think education is the way forward and agree with Mrs Brown as quoted from the Evening News:

    [i]"We've all seen accidents, but it hasn't stopped us. We need to increase awareness among motorists, and rather than hand out fines and points to drivers, we'd like to see them be made to cycle 1000 miles to see what it's like."

    I'd be willing to help out anyone who wants to organise an event to raise awareness and celebrate cycling in our city. I think it would be important to get something organised ASAP. It would be good if anyone here gets wind of anything being organised to post it here so those of us willing to, can get mucked in.
    Suzy
    P.S. I'm new to this site and think it's great!

    Posted 13 years ago #

  10. chdot
    Admin

    "I'm new to this site and think it's great!"

    THANKS for that - and the rest of your post.

    I know emails are going around so I'm sure a date will emerge and some refining of route/venue ideas.

    I also think there is a real opportunity to highlight/expand on the road safety/training/education ideas.

    Clearly this should involve the Council and the Police and others. Perhaps this sad event will spark more than a one-off ride.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  11. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    There is the potential here for a truly celebratory event - not just of Audrey's life, but also of her love of cycling. Defintiely needs to avoid being seen as a 'critical mass' event I think - with awareness for those other road users of just why it is happening.

    Posted 13 years ago #

  12. chdot
    Admin

    "There is the potential here for a truly celebratory event - not just of Audrey's life"

    Yes.

    This will have to be handled carefully.

    I believe that the funeral date/time isn't quite fixed. There will be a ride to it - mainly for fellow CTC members, family and friends.

    After that, and with the words of one her daughters in mind, I'm sure there will be a pleasant ride open to all without any of the negative connotations sometimes associated with the words 'critical mass'.

    Posted 13 years ago #

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