September CM and DIY festival

Good to be back, and I hope my bossiness didn’t get on too many nerves!

Friday was a pretty good ride, very civil, and I was impressed at how well everyone was behaved (drivers and cyclists), with the glaring exception of the Bridge Street incident. I’m only going to say that it only happened because people got a bit ambitious and tried to shut down a five lane road with too few people in the Mass, and unpleasantness was the consequence.

Turnout was pretty good, possibly because we were enlisted in the DIY festival (we didn’t mind, but SOMEBODY could have mentioned it surely?) Also kudos to anyone that did some flyering. Next month we should have some new students showing up, once they’ve settled in and got bikes.

Finally, we got talking in the pub about the lack of bike racks around Glasgow, and we may have a plan for next month…. [evil grin]

June & July Mass and Updates

June’s Critical Mass took a western wander, over the Kelvin at Queen Margaret Drive, through Hyndland and back towards the city centre. Slightly marred by some unprofessional taxi drivers at the end, the evening was mostly a success.

Numbers dwindled for July, but the miserable weather obviously didn’t help. It still took place and, after a brisk cycle along the Clyde, a couple of drinks were had at the Belle by those who braved the weather.

A couple of links have been added to the blog, so check them out.

Next Critical Mass is the 28th of August.

Pictures of May’s Critical Mass

Riders set off from George Square

Some of the Mass in the Merchant City

Stopping at a junction in the Merchant City

Some cyclists having a drink after Critical Mass

If you have some photo’s you’d like to add to the blog, leave a comment on this post to get in touch. Also if you have any pictures up on flickr, please tag them ‘critical mass’ and ‘glasgow’, or add them to the critical mass glasgow pool (which you can see on the right hand side of the blog).

Cheers!

Riders turn out for glorious May Mass

A glorious summers day accompanied May’s Critical Mass in Glasgow, with temperatures in the 20s. The strong turnout allowed for a nice relaxed ride through the city. Being able to take up the whole road meant we could chat, chill and cycle at our own pace while soaking up the rays.

Kicking off from George Square we made our way to the Clyde, crossing the river for a wee detour before returning to city centre then heading west along Argyll Street. As some riders peeled off home at Charing X, the mass continued along Argyll Street, crossing the expressway to the SECC via the footbridge, then heading back to the city centre for drinks at Mono.

About half the riders were on their first ever Critical Mass,  which made for a great atmosphere.

A brilliant way to spend a summers evening. Come along and join us on the 26th of June!

February Critical Mass, 27th

Just a quick post to remind all that February’s Critical Mass is this Friday.

Come along and be the Mass.

2009’s First ‘Mass’

Happy New Year!

After December’s non-existent Critical Mass (it was Boxing Day after all), Glasgow’s Critical Mass was back, on January the 30th. While the weather wasn’t too bad, a small showing led to a speedy ride, straight to the Halt on Woodlands Road. A round (or 4) later, the ‘Mass’ parted ways, in good spirits for next month.

Speaking of which, this is a handy time to approach the question, ‘Is cycling drunk illegal?’. Details found here. Short answer: surprisingly, sometimes yes. It’s not the alcohol, it’s being unable to control your vehicle. But you can’t be forced to be breathalysed or have a blood sample taken. But then if you’re that drunk, would you really risk it?

Also, a link has been added to the Facebook Group, for all those with facebook profiles to keep in touch about Critical Mass related things.

PS: Interesting article concerning recent news about road cycling safety. Contrary to recent ’surveys’ cycling has not got more dangerous since the increase in cycling due to the ‘credit crunch’ and as statistics show – an increase in cycling means a reduction in cycling accidents.

Legal Victory for London Mass

Yesterday a House of Lords’ ruling quashed an appeal by the Met Police, giving Critical Mass a solid legal footing. They ruled it was a “customary procession” and worked on a “follow my leader” basis, and no ‘organisers’ could be sought to give Police prior notice of the route or hand over names & addresses.

This is fantastic news, as previously cyclists had been handed notices claiming the rides were unlawful. Now it has been established that legally, Critical Mass is a custom and has, by definition, no organisers.

Cyclists on critical mass all round the UK, should feel safe in the knowledge that this precedent has been set.

Next Critical Mass in Glasgow: TOMORROW!!! GEORGE SQ. 6pm set-off

(BBC Weather forecast: Sunny Intervals!)

Source/Further details:

Today’s Guardian

Yesterdays’s Guardian

October Ride Report

Sorry for the delay in posting a ride report, but better late than never.

Despite the horrific cold, eventually about 20 folk turned up to brave the weather, some in some very dashing fancy dress! We got a good response from the public as we cycled up St. Vincent street and along Sauchiehall Street towards Partick.

The ride stopped at 78 to warm up, have some drinks and some chat (although unfortunately the railings are now gone in front, so lots of bikes were attached to the same lampost or the Church railings – not very handy!).

It was a short ride (only about 30 mins but felt longer because of the cold!), but numbers were up slightly from last month and the waves etc from the on-lookers were encouraging.

NB: Next ride is 28th November

October 31st: CM Halloween Twilight Ride

Ok, one serious point and one silly one:-)

The next ride, October 31st, will be after sundown and well into dusk

HIGHWAY CODE RULE 60:

At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.

This is a matter of legality and it means that any cop that sees you without adaquate lighting will be obliged to haul you off the road for your own safety.

On the practical side; without lights or high-vis, a cyclist is invisable at night . I have excelent night-vision and no windscreen between me and the world and I’ve come up to within 10m of an unlight cyclist without seeing them…

Alright! Mumsey lecture over:-

on to HALLOWEEN!

We have two proposed themes;

NIGHT OF THE CYCLING UNDEAD and FESTIVAL OF LIGHT,

so get out your bandages and fake blood, or your glo-sticks and sparklers! Or cast off the contraints of the theme and come as whatever you can successfully cycle in (or come as a giant fruit and we can laugh at you falling over… your choice) Remember – Pirates reduce global warming! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Spaghetti_Monster#Pirates_and_global_warming)

SustainableTravel Demonstration Communities scheme

Glasgow City Council magazine extract

Expansion and improvement of non-motorised transport around Bridgeton and Dalmarnock, suggestions and public opinion welcome!

We need residents’ help to make the project a success. If you have a suggestion about how we can encourage more frequent walking or cycling, please tell us, and if you want to wecome a member of the local steering groups which are to be established soon.

Phone: Adam Bows on 0141 287 9060
E-mail: Adam.Bows(AT)glasgow.gov.uk