I Want to Own a Piece of Bike Party

I signed up to volunteer wherever I would fit in best with what bike party is about.
If everyone did just a little bit, this could work! We all have lives, and some of us have more time than others but if we have 4-5 hours of time to participate in the ride I’m sure we can contribute in one way or another.

Also, maybe instead of posting the meetup freely on the website an account log is required to retrieve. Perhaps we really should be responsible and take the time to read rules of conduct and why it’s so important to keep SJBP in good standing with the rest of the GP. And spread the word, if were encouraging our friends to show up encourage them to also keep in mind what’s really going on.

“Community”

testrides

@Perlasum, thanks!

we did have one ride where people had to hit “agree” on the webpage before they saw the route details.

unclear how many actually read them, but we were wondering about doing this again.

ryan

TR – I think it’s a good idea to do this again.

Perlasum

Hey! Sorry, Im so stoked on bike party I keep coming up with ideas how to help..
Little disapointed to see that others havent posted up here yet but, it may take a minute .
= D
Anyhow, I noticed that people were able to purchase T-shirts…I didnt see any for sale but, I know I would love to have a shirt to represent!
What about a raffle? If we get people to enter a raffle lets say for a buck with a chance to win a T-shirt. Maybe then the raffle money could go towards purchasing the megaphone that are needed.

the cat

I want to own the ride. But NOT by myself, not alone in the dark surrounded by anonymous vandals.

I would recommend a massive show of unity in defense of the ride. At the start of the ride, collect 150 volunteers in printed hi-visibility t-shirts or vests (printed “security” or “event” or something) for a pep-talk, then round them back up at each re-group for an update and brain-dump. Let the hoodlums see that there is some organized resistance.

Then have these visible volunteers ride in groups of 3 or 4, stop in a line at the lights, go slow down hills, back each other up. Boo and “fail!” and “loser!” as a group, loud and fearlessly, and in all ways be models of better behavior and good fun in a social setting, which is what the ride is about.

But it is RESISTANCE, don’t kid yourself. The gangsters are invaders disinterested in the better social aspects of the ride, and have violence and mindless destruction on their side. I feel that the rest of the ride MUST RESIST, and in an organized and obvious manner, or the vibe will evaporate and the gangsters will — as they have since Genghis Kahn — win by default.

Rider

Agree with birds riding in groups of 2 or 3. Encourage each other, share the load, back each other up. When they stop at red lights they could stop their bikes sideways to better cork the riders from running the red.

Don’t know if I go for the ‘security’ shirts, maybe if each of them had one of these on http://www.amazon.com/Red-Jr-Fire-Chief-Helmet/dp/B00279YYRM I’d be sure to ride safer.

the cat

Nobody likes the idea of having people providing security or guidance or designated for that. It just goes against the SJBP organizational culture and against cycling culture as a community. Riding is free as in beer, and free as in speech. Everyone rides their own ride.

But you won’t find a single notable cultural construct that did not have some institutionalized idea of “the heavy”.

The heavies can be male or female, young or old, but in all cases they will stand their ground to preserve something of value to the community. Without the heavy in some evidence nothing is preserved. Without the heavy, even small children could have set Rome ablaze at the very outset.

That’s all I’m going to say on the subject. I will neither promote nor defend the idea further. It’s something individuals have to get on their own, and they do right away or else they never do. And that’s not my business.

Billy the Kid

Having people hit “agree” before getting details would not hurt, so it’s worth a try. But I would be surprised if that by itself turned the tide. Peopletoday are too used to clicking “agree” and “accept” without reading, and the douchebags who cause the problems would probaly do so even if we made them recite an oath with a hand on the Bible.

BIRDS staying in groups is a good idea, though I confess I am the worst BIRD when it comes to staying with others.

What if we had some volunteers at intersections throw things at red-light-runners (Water balloons? Rotten tomatoes? Bricks j/k)?

One way or another, I think the ultimate solution is going to be getting rid of the douchebags, either by preventing them from coming or by driving them to leave.

scott

“the cat” – cool ideas, but i think the real focus and intent of this forum is to have riders say “I am going to do ______”

what would that be for you?

then others would follow suit, others would get inspired to do something also…

Rider

@The Cat, just to let you know, I agree with you very much. I hope my attempt at humor (the fireman hat) didn’t sound like I didn’t. I think that the whole concept of having BIRDs instead of SECURITY was a brillliant idea on the part of SJBP because it is human nature to ‘go against the man’ whearas, a BIRD, what’s not to like. It’s so different that it is obvious it is a volunteer that cares in a positive way.

Next time I am going to do the following: Support the BIRDs and others in shouting down bad behavior. It is a drag being the only one calling out bad behavior and thanking good behavior. Having others join in is key.

@Billy The Kid – Throwing things is not a good idea for lots of reasons. it can only escalate in a bad way. Google Stanford Prison Experiment and you can get an idea of what happens when people think they have more power than they were properly trained for.

So, to reiterate, next time I ride I am going to be sure to verbally support the BIRDs around me. And maybe after my 4th ride I’ll apply to be a BIRD.

the cat

Eat recycled waste, douche bags.

OK, then in the spirit of “Imma gonna ______” …

I’m going to tow a garbage can on wheels. The re-groups can get messy, and maybe picking up recycling I’ll get rich (right). I’ve got a big bike with power to burn, hauling trash would be a mitzvahs.

And at the intersections, I’ll be a one-bike iron barricade if anyone needs something to drunkenly pile into.

Kaayten

Instead of having to click AGREE on a list of rules to get directions, can we have people take a super simple quiz? There aren’t a lot of rules to remember. Refer people to How We Ride and take a test for directions. Then people will have to at least read the rules.

[mod/tr: esp if succinct, witty? can you make a first pass effort at it?]

whispersiren

“Imma gonna ______”

…tackle the bike light issue by compiling a list of bike light related resources to help educate riders. Though I know there’s tons of info out there already, I want to compile it into a SJBP specific page which will both educate and get creative juices flowing.

Ideally someday I’d like it to be like Wikipedia… people could contribute their ideas, photos etc. Have discussions about gear etc. But I’m not sure i have the web skills for this yet. Maybe I can collaborate with someone else for this…??

For now it will mostly be links with some inspiring photos/videos…

I’ve already compiled quite a bit and I’ve only been working on it for an hour

biketurtle

http://wiki.sjbikeparty.org/wiki/How_to_light_your_bike

whispersiren -

A little used wiki already exists! Check out:

The wiki itself has a link in the sidebar. I doubt many people have explored it much.

whispersiren

July 26, 2010

Thanks! I’ve been having fun adding to it! Check out the new and improved version, Biketurtle!

http://wiki.sjbikeparty.org/wiki/How_to_light_your_bike

whispersiren

Oh wow i did not see that! Thanks biketurtle for pointing that out! Don’t I feel like a dope (slapping forehead) Guess i need new glasses.

Seems like the link needs to be made more prominent on the site and included with the events when they are sent out since there are so many new riders.

I’m assuming its ok to give it a facelift… Hee hee in a few days its going to look VERY different (big grin)

whispersiren

July 26, 2010

Have recently updated the SJBP Wiki: How to light your bike! Just in time for August Hot Lights! Woo hoo! High Five!

http://wiki.sjbikeparty.org/wiki/How_to_light_your_bike

Check it out! Please feel free to contribute more or contact me if you’d like to me to do it!

Perlasum

Hello again!

@ Kaayten GREAT idea!
I think a fun quiz from things within the rules is good! Likely the rule breakers are not up on this website reading anything but, word gets around. I read it was 25-40 riders to – what was it’ 3,300! So people are talking about SJBP… shoooot’ I am talking about it. That was my first ride and I have told almost every person I have been in contact with.
Back to the point….

I think it obvious more volunteers are needed! Maybe before the ride there should be a minimum amount
“ a must have” maybe we should get the word out that for the ride to occur we have to have so many birds and really encourage the people to stand up. Like on this home page advertise more for BIRDS a countdown of volunteers needed versus how many there are.

Also facebook is such a good source! What about a short article that highlights some of the “major complaints” from the last ride it could be circulated through facebook? Something that will really encourage more volunteers even if it’s just for one ride!

Plus downtown san jose’s music in the park is another source! What about getting some people out to recruit BIRDS at music in the park! Yeeeah, right next to the bike rack’ every person who walks in just ask for a minute of their time…

And reminders? If a log on in required to directions what about submitting a reminder to the registered riders.. it could be from everything to being a BIRD to just being responsible and vocal…

Lets remind everyone of SJBP “Mission”
Building community through bicycling.

Brian

I am going to come to the next bike party event and keep yelling “to the right” until my throat hurts. Boy I miss Bikeparty.

I normally ask the offending parties whether they contributed anything to the ride and then explain that quite a few people have and ask them to follow the rules out of repect for those people. Suprising about 1/2 the time it works. The other half I just ride away from them because they don’t listen anyway and I don’t want my face altered.

I agree as a “Bird” it is easier if others around supported me we I was trying to educate individuals.

Looking forward to Saturdays ride.

Billy the Kid

I like the quiz idea. It’s a big step up from just clicking “agree”.

A few more ideas:

Maybe the How We Ride rules should include rules calling on everyone to help with the self-policing.

rule # 9, At red lights, those in front turn their bikes sideways to prevent douchebags from slithering through.

Another thing, maybe we could make waiting at the red lights more fun. At last September’s ride, we had someone doing call-and-response while we sat at lights.
guy: “I say ‘bike.’ You say ‘party.’ Bike!”
crowd: “Party!”
guy: “Bike!”
crowd: “Party!!”
That was fun for a while,a dn helped make the red light seem more like part of the party rather than an interruption of if.

What I’m gonna do:

First, I’ll attend next month’s volunteer meeting where self-policing will be on the agenda. I’ll take part in discussing various strategies for improvment, and will do my part in support of whatever strategies we adopt.

And I’ll show up at the next Bike Party vocal as ever and working to block douchebags at red lights.

scott

July 21, 2010

big shout out to johnm on the revamp of the website!
i’m going to continue to be more positive and to see how we can model how fun it is to step up and “own” a piece of bike party!

Billy the Kid

July 22, 2010

I too like the revamped website. But can we put back in hte numbering of comments. Makes it easier to come back the next day and find where I left off reading.

Navtej Singh

July 22, 2010

I’d like to volunteer to help plan the August ride. It will be my last ride in the bay area before I head back to NYC for college. I’ve been riding with SJBP for over a year now and I’d like to help give back to the cause.

Rapid Robert

I think the absolute best thing anyone can do, and it’s the absolute easiest thing in the world, is to join in with any BIRD squawking out against salmon and red light runners. Those two behaviors make up the vast majority of complaints against the party. There should be a roar of booooooos for the red light runners. Everyone in a car or standing at such an intersection should KNOW where SJBP stands regarding that behavior. Those first at a red light can also move to cork the path of potential red light runners. That’s another very easy thing to do. Own the intersection!

And the comments to the salmon should be as loud and fundamental as possible, also coming from the WHOLE group and not just a few BIRDs. Our power is the size of the group. The vast, vast majority of the group wants to ride “the way we ride”. Salmon riders don’t read here, don’t help with anything, and certainly don’t have the balls to post here. They’re party crashers. They disrespect everything this group stands for, and their behavior destroys community. They deserve sticks in their spokes, in my opinion. There’s NO excuse for it.

the cat

Um. Wait … what’s a “salmon”? Did I miss a memo?

Viral

Let us discuss some possibilities about raising money for megaphones so that the crowd can be controlled properly.

[mod/tr: ok, so what executables? idea is nice, but what can you do? or someone else do? we also need microphones to tie into the music trailers if that's possible. these are MUCH louder than megaphones]

Billy the Kid

@Rapid Robert – You’re right that more vocal support from the crowd would help; but do you have a plan to make that happen? I assume the people reading this already do that to some extent. How do we get the rest of the crowd to join?

D. Rod

I think having to do a simple short test is a GREAT idea too!! I am one of those that just hits “agree” without reading. haha I also think it’s a good idea for the WHOLE group to BOO at people who run past red lights. ALSO… I will try and help plug up holes and block the way for people trying to blow past a red light. I usually try and help out Birds when i can. But from now on i will join Birds when shouting down bad behavior and yell keep to the right.

biketurtle