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Nottingham's Critical Mass is back!

Cyclisht | 29.10.2008 10:35 | Climate Chaos | Ecology

After a long break, Nottingham's critical mass will return to its usual slot: meet at 5pm in Market Square, on the last Friday of the month. This month's CM will take place this Friday (31st Oct).



WHAT'S IS ALL ABOUT?

Critical Mass is often described as an 'unorganised coincidence'. It happens when a lot of cyclists happen to be in the same place at the same time and decide to cycle the same way together for a while.

WHAT'S THE PURPOSE?

"Everyday, all over the world, people are resisting the problem culture of the car by getting on their bikes and riding, instead of driving.

Critical Mass is a celebration of the alternatives to cars, pollution, accidents and the loss of public spaces and freedoms.

Not an organisation or group, but an idea or tactic, Critical Mass allows people to reclaim cities with their bikes, just by getting together and out-numbering the cars on the road"

WHAT HAPPENS ON A CRITICAL MASS?

Each one is different and they follow no set route, with the direction being spontaneously chosen as people cycle along. Anyone is free to join or leave the ride as it pedals along.

See also
Tash't report of the Feb 2007 Critical Mass (with links to previous coverage):  http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2007/02/363222.html

 http://www.critical-mass.info/

 http://criticalmass.wikia.com , including list of Critical Mass rides

 http://www.urban75.com/Action/critical.html - Info & links

 http://www.critical-mass.org/ (UK list not updated since the 1996s)

 http://www.zap20.ukgateway.net/CMfaq.html - CM FAQ

Cyclisht

Comments

Hide the following 4 comments

Bring flouros,lights,cameras, for some traffic calming action

29.10.2008 12:55

Crit mass is usually fun with sound sysytem but,
Flouros,lights,cameras are essential& its important to keep in a close formation with a back line at all times, otherwise dangerous drivers will try it on.
Its ok to take all the lanes on a go slow for a reasonable distance on a road & then a good idea to let traffic through
a/ because its dangerous,
b/ we need to get drivers out of cars & not just piss em off.

Lets Stick together & if necessary make sure any details of drivers who attack the CM go to the police, who need to take offences against cyclists seriously.

critter


Nottm Ride Info

30.10.2008 18:57

For future reference note that the Nottm Critical Mass page is at  http://criticalmassrides.info/nottingham where we aim to update the latest ride details.

Critical Mass for everyone who rides a bike in Nottingham and wants to take part - join the discussion group / announcements list at  http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/nottcriticalmass

This is only a suggested route (work in progress), it may be varied by those attending or discussed on the discussion list.
 http://tinyurl.com/nottmcriticalmass

Pat
- Homepage: http://criticalmassrides.info/nottingham


Keep the joy!

30.10.2008 19:49

A point well made is that a regular route preplanned by certain 'organisers', rather than allowing people on the mass freedom to choose where they want to go, takes all the spontaneity, creativity and joy out of critical mass and turns it into just another dreary parade.

waddya think?

Pat


Good links, should be fun, consensus at start& sticking together throughout

31.10.2008 16:13

is the main thing just about whatever happens.
I never remember it having a set route ever that wasnt deviated from,ever. It wouldnt be a shame though if it went by the nearby EON offices for the 2 days of international demos against EONs fossil feuling& abit of bullhorning.

Critter