Aside from the all the violence obsessively reported in the San Diego media, there are actually many amazing, important, and (unreported) progressive events taking place in Tijuana. For example, this Friday a very purposeful yet fun bike event--Paseo de Todos--will be taking place. Here's more info from my buddy:
Riders of Tijuana/San Diego
The fourth Paseo de TODOS (everyone's ride) will be taking place this friday, in which TODOS (every) bicycle group in Tijuana will be coming together to give each other strength to be able to peacefully change the way in which society perceives human mobility and transportation.
We will unite so that together we can look after the common good and to make a meaningful presence as a single collective. In general, bicyclists are upset because the measures of a government who claims to be in favor of the bicycle/biciclysts have not been taken in order to benefit the bicyclist, since the two bike paths from Tijuana (zona río y rosas magallón) are impossible to access via bicycles. The pseudo governmental support of such facilities is only used as a political scapegoat.
In the inauguration of the Rosas Magallón sports center, the mayor Jorge Ramos declared: "Today we are planting the seed of hope; today we are investing in making sports a tool that can allow us to keep our children and our young ones from the wrong path." However, without access for pedestrians or bicyclists, it is impossible and very unsafe to access these bike paths unless it is with the use of a vehicle. Children and young people are not able to drive.
The petitions that we have on our first phase are as follows:
A revision to the Rules of Transit.
A restructuring of the Public Transport system so that it is more efficient and not a headache for everyone (it seems impossible in our city, but if we do not unite we will be victims of this all of our lives)
Signaling/Signs that foster respect to the Pedestrian and the Bicyclist.
We believe that if we provide with more security to the urban bicyclist and the pedestrian, society will be even more trustful of riding bicycles more often, which will result in the reduction of traffic in the neighborhoods as well as downtown It is almost unbelievable that in a two-block stretch people have to drive a vehicle (for example: going to the store to get milk).
We invite you to be part of modernization and re-culturization of our city.
This is a world movement.
In Mexico it takes place in DF, Guadalajara, Puebla, Queretaro, Celaya, Monterrey, Oaxaca, Morelia.
In Baja California it takes place in Ensenada and Tijuana.
Friday August 6, 2010. 8pm. Plaza Santa Cecilia (The large Arch right at the end of revolución, near the pedestrian crossing.)
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Ride Details & Suggestions:
Prior
-Make sure that your bicycle is in good running condition.
-Bring patches and our tubes in order to fix a flat.
-Get together with friends and or family members to assist the ride.
-Involve yourself and join us as a volunteer.
During
-Use lights and reflectors on your body or your bicycle.
-Always ride on the indicated lane, try to yield to the vehicles whenever necessary.
-Help out during intersections, supporting the volunteers, remember that the Paseo es de TODOS (it is everyone's ride)
-Follow instructions of volunteers and law enforcement.
-Maintain order and respect towards motorists, pedestrians and other bicyclists.
-Avoid screaming things that could offend the integrity of others.
-Avoid littering.
-Avoid consuming drugs and alcohol during the ride.
-Pay attention while crossing intersections.
-Be responsible for minors that are riding and their education, or tell your mom/dad to take care of you.
-Remember that you are the only one responsible of your safety to transit the street and taking care of others helps you become a part of a harmonious society.
-Enjoy the ride.
After
Take advantage of the experience that you gained during the ride and share it with other bicyclists.
Remember:
-This ride is fun and festive, violent attitudes are not welcome.
-The motorist is a potential bicyclist...smile and explain to him that this is el Paseo de TODOS (everyone's ride) and thank him for waiting
It's great to see an event taking place in Tijuana that combines direct purposeful action, well-thought-out advocacy goals w/ clear objectives, and never forgets the importance of fun. If you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong.
