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Critical Mass - shoot the lot of them
I had a great time on Sydney Critical Mass Harbour Bridge ride. But as regular Melbourne CMasser I noticed several things: 1. There didn't seem to be a strong culture of corking intersections Maybe it was due to inflated numbers attending for the harbour bridg ride, but it mainly seemed like the police doing most of the corking! 2. Evidently the ride had a police permit. There was a strong polic presence with 30 or so police on police bicycles, police motorcycle and several squad cars. But even the police seemed to mostly b enjoying the event. 3. From start to finish the ride took 50 minutes from Hyde Park t North Sydney. It seemed to go in the most direct route possible t utilise the least amount of time. Personally, I would have enjoyed small circuit around the city before heading over the bridge, but dare say if there was a police permit they wanted to be in control! 4. The ride was stuck in traffic for several minutes on the Cahil Expressway, waiting for the cars ahead to inch onto the bridge. Onc onto the bridge I thought the Mass moved too quickly. Once the mas left the Cahill Expressway the head really didn't wait or see what wa happening with the tail. This was particularly the case riding up th hill at North Sydney. Maybe go a little slower next time? A full mas and bike lift in the middle of the bridge? 5. Going over the bridge to North Sydney as part of CM was easy i comparison to coming back via the cycle path. I had to push my bike an trailer up the 5 flights of steps at Milsons Point (and make my 4 y walk up). They haven't improved that facility since I last used it mor than 20 years ago! Perhaps if the RTA spent a little bit of money an used some of its vast engineering skills it could provide a smoot cycling experience onto the bridge cycleway from the north end? 6. I found quite a few cycle lanes around inner city Sydney, since lived there 15 years ago, but most were afterthoughts. Many could no accomodate the width of my trailer. Some were downright dangerous. Cit planners are thinking bicycle, but I believe many are yet to cycle alon their creations. 7. On the way back to my lodgings several people, in cars and on foot asked how CM went. Whether you like Critical Mass or not, it does rais the profile of cycling and cyclists -- takver |
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#2
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Critical Mass - shoot the lot of them
takver wrote in message ...
[snip] 7. On the way back to my lodgings several people, in cars and on foot, asked how CM went. Whether you like Critical Mass or not, it does raise the profile of cycling and cyclists. Yeah, but not in a positive way. But hey, we cyclists need more negative press, so I thank you. |
#3
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Critical Mass - shoot the lot of them
"rickster" wrote in message om... takver wrote in message ... [snip] 7. On the way back to my lodgings several people, in cars and on foot, asked how CM went. Whether you like Critical Mass or not, it does raise the profile of cycling and cyclists. Yeah, but not in a positive way. But hey, we cyclists need more negative press, so I thank you. I find that i have to disagree with you at this point of not being in a positive way, it seems till last friday that the amount of cyclists that have been turning up for the Critical Mass have been rather dismal and from what I've been told we're mainly the regulars including a few bike couriers etc but last friday's ride attracted hundreds of cyclists including myself who either have never ridden a CM or only do it on a major ride. I believe this to be a very positive point as many people young and old joined in the ride accross the bridge and thoroughly enjoyed it. The police were happy that everyone behaved themselves and also enjoyed the evening so I think that their support will also be ongoing. Most people like myself that attended the CM on friday, were'nt really there for the political point but were happy to be part of a growing need here in Sydney. If only to enjoy a big group ride with like minded folk that might just hold up some traffic for an hour, once a month, I don't believe that is too much to ask the general public who have the roads to themselves 30 days out of 31. The entertainment in North Sydney with the band and the noodle stalls were an added plus.....ahhh bbq octopus & noodles...love 'em!! Cheers DJ |
#4
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Critical Mass - shoot the lot of them
takver wrote:
6. I found quite a few cycle lanes around inner city Sydney, since I lived there 15 years ago, but most were afterthoughts. Many could not accomodate the width of my trailer. Some were downright dangerous. City planners are thinking bicycle, but I believe many are yet to cycle along their creations. Depending on the time of day/direction you're travelling the bus lanes make a fairly good compromise. Yes, you have to contend with buses and taxi's, but normally their number is far less than in the normal car lanes - just watch for the brake lights. Scott |
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