| Re: Critical Mass Tunnel Freaks
Im sorry David, didnt ingnore you, just didnt have time to reply. heres my
reply.
> SH, I notice that you completely ignored my original reply to your post.
> I'll re-post for your benefit. Perhaps you'd care to read it this time:
>
> For a start, you might want to get your facts straight. It was the BURNLEY
> Tunnel, not the Domain Tunnel.
You were right it was the Burnley Tunnel.
> And any increase in abuse which you
> (allegedly) received can be put squarely on the shoulders of the
apoplectic
> radio jocks who spent hours (literally) talking about how the world was
> going to end because people couldn't drive through their precious tunnel.
Didnt critical mass provide press releases conveying what the group were
going to do and wasn't the organisations aim to disrupt peak hour traffic
through one of the main east exits from the city. Surely the RADIO JOCKS
comments and reaction was what was expected by the Critical Mass. The abuse
that followed is surely a result of the organisations actions.
> For the record, here's some press clippings from AFTER the event which
> reflect the reality of the situation:
>
>
> Herald Sun
> "Police said the protest caused only a minor disruption and they were
happy
> with the conduct of the protesters"
Yeah because because the "radio jocks" had encouraged tunnel users to use
alternative exits. In regard to their conduct sure police were happy there
was no injuries or damage to public property
>
> The Age
> "VicRoads traffic controllers said the event did not seem to have caused
> congestion in other parts of the city"
Sure our roads infrastructure handled this sought of traffic before the
tunnels were built. But your missing the point. Critical Mass's aim was to
inconvienience drivers, who yes were fired up by the media, who were fueled
by the CM press releases. Who then took it out on us.
> "After police drove through the closed tunnel at 6.30pm, the first five
> cyclists entered from Power Street at 6.35pm. The rest entered from Kings
> Way two minutes later. The tunnel was reopened at 7.15pm."
>
>
> So, far from the projected chaos on the roads, the resulting effect on
> traffic caused barely a ripple, according to the authorities. And the
tunnel
> was closed for a total of 45 minutes -- far from the 2 hours which the
radio
> jocks were screaming about.
OK but there were only 430 riders riding 3 km. If the CM numbers that have
been experienced in other parts of the had riden through the tunnel, traffic
could have been held up for 2 hours
>
>
>
> >Why don't you look at the constructive lead taken by Bicycle Victoria,
> >who promote safe road use for all users. They lobbying Local and State
> >governments in the provision of cycle safe roads. They also promote rides
> >that introduce thousands of non cyclist to the sport, which in turn
> >educates a large group of the population on the benifits of bicycle
> >commuting and hence reduces the use of cars.
>
>
> Among the 20 or so Critical Mass riders that I am friendly with, we are
> involved in the following bicycle advocacy projects. Personally, I spend
> time working on almost every item on this list:
>
> * forming and running successful Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) to promote
> cycling and lobby for better cycling facilities
> * lobbying government & authorities at all levels, in conjunction with BV
> * producing educative and informational cycling newsletters and
publications
> * sitting on local government cycling advisory committees
> * working with local government & BV to create Bike Plans for council
areas
> * lobbying local council directly for bike lanes (many CM riders have been
> involved in a campaign to get lanes on Chapel St, which finally looks like
> it may happen)
> * maintaining cycling email lists & websites
> * writing articles for local newspapers and "BV News"
> * planning for a "Melbourne Bike Week" next summer
> * working on mode-shift programs which encourage people to consider
cycling
> rather than driving
> * planning & hosting social rides open to the general public
> (and this is not even mentioning work by CM'ers in the areas of public
> transport & environmental advocacy)
>
> The vast bulk of this work is unpaid & voluntary, and involves a huge
> commitment of personal time from many diverse individuals. It would amount
> to hundreds of hours spent on cycling advocacy each month -- and that's
only
> speaking for the 20 people that I know personally. I can't even begin to
> speak for the other 430 riders who were at CM last night.
>
> You are WAY off the mark when you paint us as outlaws. We work within the
> system 99% of the time, and often we work hand-in-hand with Bicycle
> Victoria. If you don't believe me, then ring up BV and ask them. And you
> might be interested to know that although BV does not endorse Critical
Mass
> (nor would we ever ask it to) there are many individuals who work for BV
who
> ride in CM.
This is fantastic and I applaude you for your commitment to these worth
while causes but why resort to the 1% of caos.
>
> We are not just activists, we are also advocates. Yet once a month when we
> put on our party hats at CM, people like you get up on your high horse and
> slag us off for being cowboys. Well, let me ask you, SH, what have you
done
> lately to promote cycling or improve cycling facilities?
I have worked in sport and recreation planning and promotion for over 15
years. Sure I got paid for what I did but yes I have been involved in
developing programs for the development of cyclists and the sport of
cycling. My work in local government saw me work closely with BV and
Cyclesport Victoria. This wasnt a hobby it was my carreer.
Keep us all safe
SH
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