Berkeley Critical Mass Loves Rain

Yes, there were signs decrying War for Oil and Global Climate Change (which defied sogginess on this unexpectedly rainy day). Determined to defy slipping into a global warming feedback loop (more early rain means fewer cyclists), a spirited crowd took the streets.

Excitement #1: Chocolate cake delivery just before launch!

Excitement #2: Unable to accept a world without rolling music, the group descended on a private home where it was rumored a sound system lives. And it was! And lo, they were HAPPY.

Excitement #3: A kaboodle of kiddos joined the group in South Berkeley on pipsqueekie BMX bikes and robust attitudes of roadway deployment and play.

All was not well at all times, however; a disturbing trend was seen: aggression by motorists associated with income. A quick logit aggression-regression indicated (p<0.0000005) that noveau riche motormaniacs most often took aggressive action. In one case, a young woman was quite nearly plowed (shown on video). Numerous other dangerous and reckless passings, often across double-yellow lines, as well as curses, the middle finger foisted, odd comments about hippies, hunker-down honkings, and worse were foisted. High speed and intrigue pursued the otherwise happy and peace-bestowed group of well wishers to the world.

In another incident, a driver revved her engine and accelerated while attempting to pass the group on a narrow and dark street, hitting a cyclist, and damaging his bicycle. As shown in the video (one of numerous choice comments not all included), she pouted simply, "I didn't mean to hit you," indicating she had absolved herself of guilt.

Given that statistically it has been proven that riding in Critical Mass is safer and more fun than riding alone in the urban car hell, the thick-skinned cyclephiles turned the other cheek repeatedly and rolled on enjoying The Best This City Has To Offer.

Fortunately, most motorists and passersby were VERY NICE AND REALLY COOL and generally seemed to get a kick out of the ride, dancing along, honking, waving, cheering, and above all, smiling.

Other highlights included:

• Swirling and howling in a subterranean parking garage;

• Whooping and laughing in the Solano tunnel;

• Finding a huge painted PUMPKIN box and adorning the sound system with it;

• Dancing in the middle of the street, Shattuck Square;

• Saying "THANK YOU FOR WALKING!";

• Letting buses through the group on a regular basis (even one marked "BUS DEPOT");

• Handing out flyers to folks on the street;

• Watching smiling nice people stop their cars and wave the group on through;

• Buzzing through Chevron screaming "CHEVRON GO HOME!";

• Muncha-Buncha-Munching on donated pizza!

• Noting more people are asking "Is this Critical Mass?" than "What is this?" lately;

• Staying warm dry and friendly in the fresh air to the sound of tinkerbells and happy horns;

• &tc.!

The group also visited the intersection where Harlan Head attacked the group in May of this year with his "mini" van SUV. Three bicycles lay piled under his wheel when his forward crush into the defenseless crowd was finished, and two people were injured. Head's crime was aided and abetted by the Berkeley Police Department, which has a long history of disregarding bicycle and pedestrian rights.

Fortunately, no such traumatic motorist attacks have resulted at the ride since May, although harassment continues to be an everyday occurrence -- perpetrated not just by motorists but by police. The City of Berkeley has some serious work to do if it is to make good on its Climate Change goals; bicycling needs to be embraced and encouraged, not suppressed and discouraged, for the health and happiness of all. Bicycle facilities are inexpensive and more than pay for themselves, whereas current practices of promoting driving is nothing less than subsidized violence.

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/10/16/18320691.php