[*BCM*] Bostoncriticalmass Digest, Vol 43, Issue 3

[Lee Peters]

I have to insist that I am not a leader - because I don't do anything except ride when I can.  My opinion is formed from experience with the ride - and I am aware of how difficult it is to lead CM beyond a loose gathering of individuals moving through the streets.

Okay, so it may be perceived by some as advocacy - but be prepared for disappointment when it doesn't do what YOU want.  I am merely trying to get you to that point of understanding.  Over time, you will realize that without substantial leadership CM will only achieve so much.  Often it brings the plight of bicyclists down a notch as that motorist wipes the spittle from her windshield.

I am eager to see what the 'royal' you are going to assign to it.  If nothing else, you can try and prevent riders from entering buildings.  (which for me fits well with the party-on-wheels definition)  You may be able to succeed at that, but unfortunately announcing it on this list doesn't work.




  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: ThoM3 at aol.com 
  To: list at bostoncriticalmass.org 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 10:33 AM
  Subject: Re: [*BCM*] Bostoncriticalmass Digest, Vol 43, Issue 3


  It is bicycle advocacy by default IMHO. If, as you say, there is nothing to it, then I can assign it, just like you assigned it a tag of "party on wheels"--BTW where is that definition? Cars are on wheels. I would venture to say that in large, people get together to be with other bikers and show solidarity as cyclists. That is advocacy.

  The fact you assert an opinion over another is in fact defining and sets you in a position over others, so are you the leader? 

  I think we are steering into Zarathustra territory now...



  In a message dated 1/8/2008 10:11:08 AM Eastern Standard Time, leepeters at gis.net writes:
    Without leaders or members and set goals, CM is not really an advocacy group at all.  It is a party on wheels.  

    Please do not think it is an advocacy group without (you yourself) shaping it that way.  No one has really taken CM beyond anything but a party - and all I have heard are people under the illusion that it is advocacy and complained when it didn't live up to that standard.  I don't want to spoil your involvement, but CM would need substantial initiative to change.

    The closest we have come to advocacy is the occasional flyer, sign affixed to bike, or route planning for a specific purpose.

    (for the record, I wish too that CM was 'nicer'.)






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