[matilda] Critical mess

[Simon Geller]

I think you've hit the nail on the head there Chris - your aim is true.

Simon


> Ideologically speaking, there is something quite fascinating about the
> decision to use heavy policing against critical mass. Essentially,
> critical mass represents an assertion of the right to cycle, set against
> the right to drive as quickly as possible, but in another sense it is a
> large group of people cycling in the same place because they like
> cycling. It does not have the character of a demonstration because it is
> not truly associable with a political aim, critical masses are not used
> as a vehicle to deliver a message, they are simply the most obvious type
> of prima facie evidence that people want to be able to cycle.
>
> As such, by criminalising them by redefinition (another fascinating
> police/legislator tactic, more prominent in recent years), the police
> send out the clear message that travel is not acceptable for a
> non-commodified reason. It is ok for a horde of SUV drivers to descend
> on a school at the same time, causing traffic chaos, because they are
> delivering children to be trained as consumers (and also the act of
> driving a car is an act of consumption far more than that of riding a
> bike). Commuters are empowered to cause traffic chaos at rush hour,
> because they are travelling to and from work, which is a consumption
> driven/driving activity. The streets and the roads are defined as
> transit zones for people to move from one consumption opportunity to the
> next - the idea of the street as an open, public space is anathemic to
> Babylon (sic), because it holds out the risk that people may recognise
> the possibility of deriving satisfaction from non-consumptive human
> interaction. You must go into a building to meet people, which will
> normally be a cafe, or pub, or wherever else which has a consumption
> emphasis, in which only consumers are welcome.
>
> You are encouraged and welcome to ride your bicycle in rural areas,
> along specified trails, because these are tourism driving activities,
> and with luck you will have to drive with your bike strapped to the car
> to get there. Riding to work is permitted, providing it doesn't
> inconvenience car drivers too much (it is clear to everyone that those
> road users causing most damage to the roads, the atmosphere and the
> people around them need effective priority over cyclists). But to cycle
> in your town or city, interacting with other people, as an expression of
> the enjoyment you take in cycling, this must be prevented.
>
> Chris
>
> Simon Geller wrote:
>> It seems the UK police have picked up the ideas of the NYPD on how to
>> crackdown on Critical Mass, as shown in the film "Still We Ride" ,
>> recently shown at the Matilda.  - see -
>>
>> http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,3604,1600570,00.html#article_continue
>>
>> Sheffield's version of critical mass, also known as the Urban Cycle,
>> will
>> be passing the Matilda this friday, the 28th between 5 and 6, and
>> ringing
>> the bell to see if anyone wants to come out for a ride - don't expect
>> hundreds of cyclists though 'cos Sheffield just ain't like that. Last
>> time
>> we rang the bell and no-one answered - I wonder what will happen this
>> time?
>>
>> Full pick-up schedule is:  Starts at Sheffield University 17:00, then
>> picks up at Collegiate Crescent, Winter Gardens, Hallam Square and
>> Matilda. After that it's up for grabs but riders can be safely dropped
>> off
>> at their starting point if required. You need a serviceable bike and
>> lights. Optional pub visit afterwards. For those who are going on
>> socialising we can show you where to leave your bike safely overnight.
>>
>> Simon
>>
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>
>