SDCM Coffeeshop Discussion; a Positive, Fun, and Productive Experience

Last night approximately 20 riders came out to Rebecca's Coffeeshop in South Park to share ideas on how to improve San Diego Critical Mass, so that the monthly ride can function in a manner that is positive, respectful, purposeful, safe, and fun for all.

Concerns and solutions to those concerns were also addressed. An overwhelming concern was the Coronado Bridge and riders who attempt to ride over the bridge. The discussion was friendly and informal, so no "official votes" were taken. Nevertheless, the informal consensus was clear: Riding over the Coronado Bridge is a bad idea.

Riding over the Coronado Bridge is a dangerous endeavor. Not only does motorist traffic move at speeds close to freeway traffic, but the Coronado Bridge, which was not designed for cyclists or pedestrians, has a very low 3 foot barrier which separates the lane from one's deadly fall. Without trained traffic coordinators, like the Bike The Bay event had, Critical Mass on the bridge is a very bad idea which may only invite negative repercussions to the popular ride, enjoyed by approximately 1,300 people on a monthly basis.

If CM cyclists want to ride over the bridge, come out to the Bike The Bay event, instead, and ride over the bridge safely. It's true that Bike The Bay is not free; it costs about $55. However, the money goes back to the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, an advocacy group that works to improve conditions and awareness for cyclists throughout the county. It's a great cause. Riding over the bridge via Bike The Bay has a positive effect on cyclists. Whereas, riding over the bridge on CM may only result in negative repercussions.

If CM tries to go over the bridge again, take a stand and do not ride up the bridge. Be a conscientious agent and ride a different direction. (Note to readers: Let the above statements suffice as Bic Control's opinion piece on the bridge matter. We've been wanting to write an opinion piece on this controversy, but we decided to talk about it directly at the discussion, first).

Another key issue of the discussion was police escorting. The informal consensus of the discussion was that since police escorting of Critical Mass began in November 2008, the ride has been safer and more courteous for all; cyclists and motorists, alike. The discussion participants talked about how police escorting seemed to prevent many overly-aggressive riders from coming out to SDCM rides. Overly-aggressive riders, none of which are veteran riders of CM, take advantage of CM by partaking in disrespectful and dangerous activities on the ride that they would not normally do while riding solo; thereby, giving CM a bad name.

Several discussion participants expressed an interest in having bicycle enforcement officers ride w/ CM as police escorts.

Since the 20 discussion participants cannot directly control the 1,300 riders at CM, the informal consensus last night was that the best we could do was ride and communicate as ambassadors of conscientious cycling. In addition to riding and communicating as ambassadors of conscientious cycling, we talked about promoting conscientiousness through media--on blogs, websites, fliers, and even comic books.

With that said, stay blogged for our next entry; The Importance of Communication & Diffusing Conflict @ SDCM.

Discussion participants are keeping our expectations realistic. We're going to try to affect the ride positively, as much as we can. But considering the fact that at CM there are 65 times (i.e.1,300 divided by 20) more non-discussion participants as discussion participants, it's going to be a challenge. In the words of Ian Mackaye, frontman of punk-rock legends Minor Threat, "At least [we're] f*cking trying!"