In an article in the local fish wrap, Kersten attempts to explain the political agenda
of Critical Mass by citing research into protest movements over the last century or so. Her premise in doing so is to suggest that participants in Critical Mass are power hungry narcissists. I can get behind that statement if power hungry
implies a desire to be able to feel safe on a shared roadway and narcissist
implies a deep seated self interest in remaining alive. Considering two Minneapolis cyclists were killed within the span of roughly ten days in September, I share many of those sentiments.
Kersten goes on to suggest that Critical Mass doesn’t give a rip
for a driver’s need to rush to catch the last few innings of your son’s baseball game
or to get to the show you promised your wife [or husband] for her birthday.
While these pseudo-emotional appeals might sound convincing, there is more red herring in them then substance. Forgotten in her statements are the implications of the other twenty nine days of the month when a loosely organized group of serial lawbreakers
seizes the streets with impunity during rush hour. Presumably on those days, all other drivers are happy to renounce their right of way in order to facilitate these activities — or not. It seems disingenuous to imply that the 12 days a year with Critical Mass rides is a serious problem in comparison.
Kersten finishes up her piece with the following two paragraphs:
If Critical Mass riders just wanted to celebrate bikes, they could refrain from serial law-breaking and ride at a time that doesn’t provoke rush-hour drivers. But that won’t do. Their antics are more about power — “I’ll make you wait while I ride by” — and self-dramatization than making the world a better place.
Minneapolis authorities eventually will discover what parents learn when they allow petulant children to break the rules “just to keep the peace.” You don’t get peace. You just open the door to bigger trouble.
Katherine Kersten: Bike-riding mob owns the streets of Minneapolis
There were 3,353,858 passenger car registrations in Minnesota in 2006 and more then 6.3M total registrations. Those of you who feel that Critical Mass inhibits you ability to get around should pull you car over to the side of the road and sit there for a couple hours. You aren’t special or more deserving than anyone else. Stop being so selfish and give someone else a chance.
Tags: Critical Mass, Fish Wrap, Minneapolis
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