I agree Critical Mass in Sg will have to ‘peaceful’. For one, we should probably not run red lights like in other cities and we’d probably get into big trouble if we take all the lanes of a road (maybe just one or two?). We would also have to tone down on political slogans. The problem with making it into a festival-thing with permit is that it would be difficult to hold it frequently — you’d have to re-apply for a permit each time and I can’t imagine the traffic police being really sympathetic to roads being clogged by cyclists once a month (or even once every two months). The permit may be granted for an annual event, but probably not for a monthly event. And an annual event would be easily forgotten and hence not very useful for getting the message out — might as well take part in a triathlon. Besides, there is already the Ride of Silence. The thing about CM is that it spreads the word to the people on the street, and hence is much more of a culturally infectious thing than something like the Ride of Silence. I have personally witnessed many people who were sceptical about bike commuting until they saw CM riding through their streets, decided to join in, and got addicted. This kind of bottom-up cultural change can be powerful — strength comes with numbers.

Sorry for rambling. Anyway, at the moment I still haven’t made enough willing cyclist-friends to guarantee some kind of minimal turnout for a mass, so it’s still a latent idea.

i have often heard comments on that cycling on the road is dangerous and why the cyclists are stupid enough to risk their lives instead of that $20 fine for cycling on the pavement. then again, the law requires bicycle to commute on the road, and besides, it’s the other road users that made it dangerous for the cyclists. riding a motorbike is dangerous as well => it’s the lack of respect for the entitlement and rights of two wheeled vehicle, with motor or no motor.

despite us being able to also travel at more than 30 or 40 km/h on the left most lane, which is definitely close to the legal speed limit on Sg roads, cyclists are still regarded as slow. i guess cyclists do not mind being overtaken, it’s just being overtaken and put into danger at the same time.

i have read about your suggestion for a critical mass. and the pink run. i last read that pink run continued after some particulars taking. i reckon there could be other more organized manners of educating and publicizing the rights / plight of cyclists. i read about critical manner on the wiki page on critical mass. that sounds more peaceful and less rebellious. but probably should tie in as a proper event with sponsors and permit etc, with a festival at the end of the race (similar to our heartland activities format). LOL.