Comments on: Kidical Mass

By: Judy

Judy — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:24:10 +0000

Bring your helmet and a sense of humor! If this little group wanted to affiliate, they’d be Critical Mass Junior, or Son (Son/Daughter to be asininely politically correct) of Critical Mass. Let’s just back away from the screen slowly and go have fun on our bikes with the kids.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:14:40 +0000

This is a brilliant idea to get people off their butts, out of their cars & on their bikes with their children. As a child welfare social worker, I am all for people engaging in a healthy fun activity with their children. As a mother of two vivacious girls, I am excited to get them out on their bikes to burn some energy. As a sister in law of Julian, I can assure you that there is no one who takes children’s safety more seriously. He, his family, and ours take our kids out for rides often and it is the highlight of their week. Let’s all keep things in perspective. Let me know if you need something to get riled about. I know lots of people who are in need of some advocacy. It is not, however, the adored and joyous children on bikes at Kiddical Mass, I can assure you.

By: Julian

Julian — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:53:50 +0000

Apologies for any whiff of condescension – point well taken, I was aiming for cheeky. I’m bringing a ride that already exists in 5-6 other cities to Seattle – the name was already chosen, and I happen to think it’s cute, and funny. Many others do too. While I don’t have any involvement with Critical Mass, I also don’t find it as much of a blight on society and the “cause” of cycling that some folks do, so a play on words like “Kidical Mass” doesn’t rub me the wrong way.

I think the blog entry above might set up this dynamic a bit, as does the edgier tone in my original post, both in the name of humor. If you visit http://www.totcycle.com, I don’t think you’ll worry at all about antisocial tendencies or unsustainability.

As for “generally law-abiding”, what I meant to imply is that, for example, on an otherwise deserted, quiet residential street, there might be a moment where a parent rides alongside two kids, or passes two folks to catch up to their little one. That’s illegal in the city of Seattle. But I have no problem with it in that scenario, especially if it keeps anyone safer.

On a group ride with kids along, we will absolutely be emphasizing obeying traffic signs and the like. So I might need to delete the “generally” if it’s causing confusion. And to stay off of comment threads when feeling cheeky … see you out there!

And if anyone wants to jump in with an alternate name that doesn’t abbreviate to “KKK” , let’s hear ‘em!

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:43:40 +0000

I’m with Aaron on this one. You state that you’re not associated with Critical Mass yet you chose a name that suggests that you are. And, taking that a step further, “generally law-abiding”? That isn’t exactly a message I want to be passing on to my kids. I appreciate what you are trying to do here but I believe that by making any connection to Critical Mass, whether real or perceived, you are doing a disservice to your cause. That’s just my opinion. And, you can tell me I’m too serious in your condescending tone — I don’t mind.

By: Julian

Julian — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:49:15 +0000

I’m all for compassion and sustainability, but sheeesh, must we work it into the name of a fun bike ride?

Seattle – I hereby give you permission to take life, and your cycling, a little less seriously. You’re welcome. Doesn’t that feel better? Now come have a fun, safe, courteous ride, and a little ice cream with us. I know the ice cream treat part might be hard (couldn’t they have brought a healthier snack? is it organic? locally sourced?), but it’ll be OK.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Fri, 08 May 2009 05:40:17 +0000

I get the jumping on the bandwagon of something popular, but Critical Mass is a menace. As someone who cycles to work and about while caring for other commuters, I wouldn’t even want my son associated by name with a group so antisocial and unsustainable. Couldn’t someone start the “Karing Kinder Kyclists” group?? Wait that doesn’t work either… I am sure there is someone good with names out there, any ideas for a kid’s compassionate cyclist group?

By: Julian

Julian — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:59:18 +0000

Thanks, Wallyhood! And for all your locals, this’d be a great chance to come on over to Ballard early to enjoy the Ballard Summer Streets/Cascade Bike-to-Work/School party at 4pm, and then ride back with us. Michael Snyder of SpokesPeople, Cascade, and other bikey groups will be leading a ride from Gasworks to Ballard at 3pm:
http://www.cascade.org/EandR/Activities_Calendar_RDetail.cfm?eventID=12040

PS I can’t promise no fisticuffs. My two year old girl is feisty these days.