It’s that time again! Time to remark on the ups and downs of another amazing ride.
First, the stats: 17.25mi, 1,535 riders (counted around 10:30pm at the Mabury overpass of I-680, since it narrowed and slowed us there). It’s almost uninteresting to remark that 1500 riders is an all-time record for us, since we’ve been growing at 50% a month for several months now, meaning we’re twice as big as we were two months ago and FIVE times larger than we were in January. Wild. We have more riders each month than the ride that started so many rides in so many cities, San Francisco’s Critical Mass. Go San Jose!
But with all of this impressive growth come some staggering problems. Enormous numbers of people earn red-light violation tickets each month (average cost = $300ish), plenty of people wipe out unnecessarily as a result of reckless riding, and littered trash is rampant at all of our stops and even along our route. This is not sustainable.
What can we do to clean up the ride, both literally and figuratively? We all want to see the ride continue – many of us think it’s the best thing to happen in this city in years. It’s not going to happen on its own. Plenty of people stepped up tonight to become BIRDs – Bike Information Resource Directors, the volunteers who keep our ride together. These people are true heroes, and we need more of you to join this cause. But that is not and will not be enough. What can we do?
Hit your comments – for the purposes of this discussion, please avoid any “people should” or “you all should” comments – stick to the “I will” sort of comment and tell us what YOU will do to help our ride, not what someone else should do. Also, of course feel free to mention tales and experiences from the ride, and photo links.
Ride on!
mike
June 20, 2009
ride was great. im proud to say that im a “bird” and haven been for over a year befor the term came to bike party!
i loved the ride tonight! personal i was not a HUGE fan of stooping at every red light but i get/ respect/ understand why it has to happen (for some part)
only real problem with the ride was not the ride it self but people in cars… people in trukcs… people in red trucks …. people in big red trucks who like to spit on the riders, then come back and throw EGGS, then come back and throw ROCK and then threaten to pull and ask for GUNS?!?!?!?! REALLY!!!
i know bike party is super awesome and positive, i know it has its negatives (but what doesn’t?) but we as a community need to take charge on ASSHOLE drivers and take there make model and color of there vehicle and plate # (or take picture of there plate … we all have phones that can take pictures) and report them! tonight was kinda fucked! people got egged, hit with rocks, spit on, AND ALMOST RUN DOWN! thankfully no one was seriously hurt of these ASSHOLES actions (that i know of)
i know we need to keep and eye on are fellow riders but we REALLY need to keep an eye of the psycho dicks in cars too!
Jeff Ralston
June 20, 2009
I will keep my group in check and stop at the lights.
But the reason for posting is to comment on the great music. Makes the ride. Whoever was towing the yellow kid trailer with the music, please share or post a LINK to your PLAYLIST
Ride on!
adanac
June 20, 2009
It was my first ride and not knowing anyone, I really felt part of and had a really great time Thanks. For the most part everyone was respectful and riding safely. I saw a lot of garbage and trash left behind as I was riding even stopped to put some in the trash can. If we all take a minute to help keep this ride clean and safe, hopefully those who don’t will learn to do so themselves to keep this great event alive in San Jose.
Keep the wheels spinning.
angel
June 20, 2009
Another fantastic night, a wild story …
By the Heritage Plaza A single squad car veers to stop many riders in the bike lane, he gets outta his car and one bmx style rider pulls out from the group, the cop singles him out for whatever reason and tries to stop him, the rider flee’s as everyone yells from the group for him to stop
a voice next to me, well maybe me ,
I said next to me umhhh yells GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO . The cop looks like the frekin terminator running after the bmx guy. He almost catches him in the middlew of the street at the median , but the the bmx guy launches head high over the median as the cop reaches out as he grazes his airborn tire on the cops finger tips , land it out 8 feet and just pumps it side to side left right left right and mingles into the group with a clean getta way.
The cop speeds off dangerously pissed just missing a few bikes in his furry. I thought for sure he was coming back with his possie.
So yeah it was bad,
if it were me I would have had to stop , Could never clear that median,
but you know what ?
that guy would have got Beat down if he got caught from the flee, then all hell would have broke loose so please watch yourselves don’t torment cops and drivers, get a bike light and I have to say Chap, Bloody good show.
Neo
June 20, 2009
Had a great time riding last night. Except for the crackhead lady that stood in the middle of the street yelling at people to ” run her over” then I almost got pushed off my bike by her! F%ckin Bitch! I am sad to say I was one of the victims to get egged by the f%ckin big red truck! Not the best night but still fun. Can’t wait for next month!!
Christy K.
June 20, 2009
It’s not a cheap solution, but one possible way to solve the problem of misbehaving nonparticipants (read: mean people in cars) may be for some riders to carry video/camera equipment like this: http://gadget.brando.com.hk/prod_detail.php?prod_id=00805
This will allow riders to get video footage of any illegal activity they encounter on the ride, enabling prosecution for cars that try to run over bikers or just harass them. Sure, it’s not a preventative measure, but you can’t really stop people outside of the group from being jerks, so you may as well do what you can after it happens.
Tim L
June 20, 2009
I deffinitly agree with Mike’s post. Some true assholes out there! One in our group was hit so hard in the eye with a rock or something that he needed medical attention. A report was made but the chance of finding who was doing it is small by that time. Something needs to be done to protect us better. I dont if that means using our camera phones or taking things into our own hands, but something must happen when we see this going down. There is a lot more of us than them!
Other than that it was a nice ride. 1500 bikes WOW! Some really awsome lights out there too!
Ride On !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
crazyone
June 20, 2009
wow last night was crazy, yah i def remember that crack head lady, and did u guys see that chick on the couch eat it, lmao the driver was hella laughing and so was i, that shit was funniest home videos funny. anyways overall good night, but some assholes like the dude that kept jumping off his bike and tryin to provoke people to fight him was just stupid. and i will take it apon myself to think of nice solution for those punk drivers, by nice i mean somethin that would make them stop. hmm i’ll think of sumthin. lol
scottl
June 20, 2009
Almost all of us have basic cameras or video on our phones. I’ll promise to take pics or video of any stupid behavior by cars/trucks/bikes/police.
Look at all of the video in that horrible BART police incident… its amazing if many of us are taking pics what we can do ourselves to protect our own.
I think we have some key issues to talk about at the next planning meeting at Orchard Coffee!
To me the big issues are trash, lane control and red lights. I’m sure there are others…
But 1535 riders? Amazing! I promise to get some early “test rides/pre-rides” posted so we can get more volunteers that know the route can help during the route itself. This will help! Look for the dates for rides before and after the next planning meeting.
david
June 20, 2009
I think stopping for red lights is a good idea because since the group is so huge, it lets cars and pedestrians get through–not only those at that intersection, but side streets and driveways up ahead where there are no traffic lights. If a light stops us, it provides a break farther up ahead where people will otherwise never get a change to get through. Just better to have as few people bothered by us as possible.
Also: let’s encourage EVERYONE to have at least a headlight since it’s the law. And I vow to yell at dumb people who ride on the wrong side of the street. Less reason for berserk cops to attack anyone.
My vote for best part of the party was seeing all those families in their front yards on 11th street cheering us on! The positive thing is, 90% of onlookers were happy to see us even if they got delayed, and only a couple people really hated us.
admin
June 20, 2009
FYI
I will not approve comments that promote violence against anyone.
John
June 20, 2009
It was once again a fun ride and I think the SJBP organizers for their very hard work.
The two young guys on BMX bikes… chill. One of them dumped his bike right in the middle of the street and then walked BACK into the crowd, looking for someone who diss him. Uh… hey, kid, you want to run UP through the crowd for that guy. Maybe you haven’t had physics yet, but the guy you had an issue with is in FRONT of you, not behind you.
The other kid came roaring up through the crowd, screaming at people to move for him, as he searched for someone who had also dissed him. C’mon, grow up.
I agree, the ride is not sustainable in its current form. I hugely appreciate what the organizers are doing and what everyone involved is doing. But it isn’t enough.
Needs tighter organization, planning that puts out a route more than just the day before, coordinating with local police (or at least letting them in on the plan at least a few days beforehand).
Walkie-talkies for ride stewards are really a must now (how else can you quickly communicate will each one?). It would really help to have more stewards and for them to keep people to the right and help direct traffic.
(And before it comes up, no thanks, I’m not interested in participating in organizing anymore than posting here. I am more than willing to let others who want to do it do it. If that doesn’t happen, that’s OK, SJBP was fun while it lasted.
(The people who are managing it now are doing a really, really great job. They just need more people who want to help organize and manage during the ride, a group of people that does not include me. I just want to ride.)
dylan fixed culture
June 20, 2009
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
yeah.
i got punched in the face trying to break up a fight at the San Jose State Fountain.
what the fuck was that about.
i was trying to keep the peace and keep shit safe so we don’t get shut down and this shit happens.
i’ve been riding with the SJBP for around 10 months now and i have NEVER been so fucking disappointed in a group of people.
yeah it’s fun to get drunk and yeah it’s fun to get loud, but there was no fucking reason for anyone to be fighting.
and if there is a reason, then take it somewhere else fellows.
it’s completely irresponsible and disgraceful to the Bike Party way of travel.
i thought i’d let you all know that my glorious night was shot to shit when i had to go to the emergency room to get four stitches in my lip. it starts on my skin and then goes inside my lip at an angle.
i don’t even care about that at all because i’ve taken a hell of alot harder hits than that before, it’s just amazing to me that people think it’s okay to do shit like this at a completely positive and recreational event.
so please people, save the drama for yo mama and don’t ruin this fun for everyone else.
the second you get on your bike, forget all the bullshit, because it’s going to destroy what we all love so much.
Andrew
June 20, 2009
Worst SJBP i’ve been too hands down. Not only were the dumb BMX’rs being fools riding like children, mountain bikers were just as irritating. Some people who go to SJBP for the first time please read the safety on how to ride a bicycle on the road. No one looks over their shoulders when turning. No one stays to the ride. DO NOT MASH through the crowd. Kids STFU! A bunch of us left after the Capitol Ave exit and heard things started getting worse. A friend of mine had rocks thrown to his chest. Im from ESSJ and I could have told you the end part of this route was going to be bad. Sure SJBP makes the community feel good but then you start attracting all these people who kinda forget what SJBP is all about and it means something to a lot of the people who have been here since its inception. The city definetly has never seen anything close to this. And to all the volunteers who TRIED to keep everyone in order and stay to the right, good job seriously even though none of the bikers listened to you. This is growing into something I never thought would happen to SJBP. RIP SJBP. You were fun. Maybe the mini events will be more mature?
John
June 20, 2009
BTW, where can I donate a few bones to the organizers? PayPal maybe?
Fourth Time Rider
June 20, 2009
Rides are great however some of the crazy people that join and are reckless will give us a bad name. One way is to be a good role model by wearing a helmet, bike lights, stopping at red lights and not littering. It only takes a few complaints and the police will have to enforce public safety. Maybe you can suggest riders wear a certain emblem that when asked means, ” I am a responsible Bike Rider”
Garrett Birkel
June 20, 2009
Moved up to this post on request:
BIIIIIIIKE PAAAAAAAAARRRRRTYYYYYYYYY!
Photos: http://garote.livejournal.com/164861.html
This was my first ride with you guys and hopefully not my last. I LOVED IT!
For my part, I will be more insistent about others stopping at red lights. I definitely understand how important it is for protecting the positive image of the ride.
Garrett Birkel
June 20, 2009
Also, I have a couple of high quality walkie-talkies I can donate to the cause. I haven’t used them in a couple years.
Next time I show up, I’ll hand them to the first group I see with the badges on their shirts/bikes.
Guy
June 20, 2009
I will share the road..
david
June 20, 2009
I retract my “berserk cops” comment. If we really want to keep this going well into the future, we should give local police advance warning of our route and ask them if they wouldn’t mind giving citations to lawbreakers. However we don’t need police escorts because we don’t need to run red lights thanks to our having regroup spots, and if we had escorts police departments or cities will start saying we need to reimburse them.
Anyway, if there’s more citations for wrong-way riding, recklessess, whatever, then hopefully the bike jerks will be better behaved. And if we welcome the cops, then maybe they’ll be willing to nab the dangerous car drivers as well.
Or am I being naive…
andrew reynolds
June 20, 2009
The light ride was only my second ride, so it’s
hard for me to judge. I did, however, think
May’s ride had a more mellow vibe, June’s
light ride had an edgy feel, to me, from the start. I have ridden all over the country, and
for some reason S.J. has a small, but dangerous
“Red Neck”, bike hostile, contingency to it’s
population. So, the confrontations with motor
vehicles does not surprise me.
On the other hand, try to put yourself in a
drivers’ shoes: You set out to go someplace
on a Fryday night, or maybe you are trying
to get home from work, or whatever, and there
are 1500.+ bike riders going 10mph, and running
red lights. Think about it.
Many thanks to all the volunteers for this
awesome thing you are creating, after I get
a few more rides under my belt, I hope I can
get involved. Two possible routes for the future:
* South San Jose( Santa Teresa, Snell, Etc. )
* Almaden Valley( Camden Ave, Almaden Exp.,
Redman Ave, Etc. )
Fleep
June 20, 2009
I think bull horns for Nick and some key BIRDs would be a good idea. Let’s cover the rules publicly at Dick’s Center over the bull horns or a PA system, because at the growth we’re seeing, people are bringing their friends, they are NOT reading over the website or part of the Facebook group that provide us with so much valuable info.
Every red light was a debate. Lots of riders were of the opinion that stopping for reds was stupid — but I don’t think our objectives are to overturn traffic laws that make even riders safe. I heard a number of people yell “BIKE PARTY DON’T STOP!”
We should welcome the cops, and the people in the ride should know that breaking the law is a community faux pax.
scottl
June 20, 2009
Bars have bouncers for several reasons… If only 2% or our riders are complete idiots, that’s 30 people!
I think we need at least 2% or 30 people to step up and say I will do X, Y or Z. I think we have about 15 or so now… so a cadre of 45-50 “Special Forces” should do wonders! Should be open to old guard and new riders alike.
John
June 20, 2009
scottl, I don’t really see where you are going. Bouncers? ‘Special forces’? What do you propose these ‘special forces’ do exactly?
Keep in mind that SJBP is an open event. You cannot stop someone from participating in it. You cannot stop someone from cycling with the group. If you do, you are yourself violating someone else’s rights. It’s a free country, the streets are not private.
John
June 20, 2009
Fleep, I already proposed ride organizers use bullhorns. But Amber shot it down in favor of using Twitter instead. She unequivocally said, no, Twitter would be better.
Amber
June 20, 2009
John,
I dont know what you are talking about.
If you want to donate a $80 bullhorn and carry it around, we will use it. (Or if anyone wants to donate and/or carry it you are welcome)
But its certainly impossible to get 1500 people to hear a bullhorn… difficult to get 200 people to hear it.
Maybe if we have 10 bullhorns and walkie talkies and some how managed to use these all while bicycle riding the ride would be great!
I am pro walkie talkie. I had one last night. I also almost managed to get in a crash when I was using it when someone braked right in front of me and I only had one hand on my handle bar.
scottl
June 20, 2009
John – My point is exactly that we can’t have “bouncers” so we have to be even more creative. My use of “special forces” was only meant to imply that a small force of people can make a difference IF they’re trained and think out of the box and anticipate issues. I’m not talking about a literal “special forces” but even 50 people to help out 1500 or 2000 is a stretch isn’t it?
Also, maybe bullhorns and other things will help too. There are peer pressure things that can help as well that are more subtle. (hopefully) Thanks for your continued interest.
Amber
June 20, 2009
One thing that bothers me the most is the atmosphere of the ride.
Riders got in fights.
Riders were yelling and rude at each other (including a handful of young males yelled at me for stopping at a ilght as I was going home)
I felt like it was a bunch of cliquey high school bullshit.
Thats not the atmosphere we wanted for Bike Party. We wanted to foster bicycle community.
In the nature of the request from the poster, I will make an effort to meet at least one new person at each ride. I hope others will also.
John
June 20, 2009
Amber:
http://www.sjbikeparty.org/archives/176
John
June 20, 2009
“Twitter is the best way to reach a large amount of people in real time, especially when they are not all in one cohesive area.”
If you say so.
But whatever. I’ve just decided last night was it for me, no more. I don’t want my last ride to be THE last SJBP ride.
Hope it works out for you all. But I think the dickheads are going to ruin it for everyone. That’s no one’s fault except the dickheads and there isn’t much anyone can do about it.
Megan
June 20, 2009
it was a great ride and I WILL always make sure my group stops at red lights just like we always do!
Nav
June 20, 2009
I will help Amber reach her goal by meeting her at the next ride (if there is a next ride)
Lawrence
June 20, 2009
I’ve done critical mass several times and SJBP has all the right things going on…safety first, night riding, all ages, great rest stops with entertainment, and an overall good vibe. i saw the bike community represented throughout. the couple with the music playing couch provided a great marker for my friend and i when we got separated, and great music…thanks!!! my advice, don’t litter, avoid all conflicts, keep smiling and share some postitive energy.
Ben
June 21, 2009
John,
If you would like to help out there are plenty of opportunities to do so.
If you think that Bike Party is dead and you don’t want to come anymore, please stop griping the people who are trying to make sure it doesn’t stop.
-Ben
dj2xjo
June 21, 2009
I had fun for most of the night. Thanks to the organizers, the BIRDS, the friendly people with courtesy for other people whether in cars, other bikes or pedestrians. To the little kid riding the yellow HUMMER bike with his family, YOU ROCK!! SJBP should be a fun place for EVERYONE to come out and ride. Unfortunately some of the events last night were some tell tale signs that SJBP could be in danger from some enemies and the authorities response to the behavior of some Jerks.
To the positive people riding, partying, and contributing to the GOOD VIBE, KEEP IT UP!! YOU ROCK!! A big bike hug!!
I want to tell the girl that crashed on her cruiser, got hurt and I think lost a tooth, I will be praying for a healthy recovery and that you are not discouraged about riding in the future.(one more motivation to wear a helmet/safety gear/ride safely.)
To the Mexican kid that asked “HEY WHERE’S THE MEXICAN FLAG???” to the guys flying American flags: “It’s in Mexico.”
To the @$!#HEAD drivers in the pickup that almost killed some cyclists and then backed up to talk trash: Please chill. Your destination will still be there 5-10 minutes later than you planned to arrive.
To those Jerks that were throwing eggs, rocks, beer bottles etc. Please stop!! WE RIDE IN PEACE!!! (most of us) I don’t speak for Jerkoffs. Beware, your aggressive actions may ilicit a counter-aggressive response such as some nut swinging a U-Lock or other blunt weapon/projectile toward you or your vehicle. LETS NOT LET IT COME TO THAT!!!
To the guys that got a ticket for running the red light, serves you right. Read the instructions for the ride.
To the guy that said to me “WE RUN THE STREETS!!” Go for it buddy, go take over the street. You won’t have my support, I’m not a 2 wheeled Terrorist. I want peace!!
Don’t drag us down with you as you get drilled by a police baton, a car or someone who can fight better than you. Take that negativity elsewhere.
To the psycho “SO EXTREME” mtn bikers/BMX riders/Fixed Gear Hipsters, take that agro, downhill through traffic, bombing through the SJBP ride, almost falling off your mtn bike cuz you had a beer can in hand, take that irresponsible behavior, “I’m more the elite cyclist than thou cuz I ride fixed” TAKE THAT BULL CRAP out of the ride. It might be fun for you to be EXTREME, pop wheelies near others cruising, scaring the crap out of cute girls riding near you but you look like a #&$%$% head. Chill the $#@ out. ITS REALLY MESSING IT UP. In fact its killing the mission of the SJBP.
ONE MORE THING: THEFT.
Someone broke into my car @ Dicks sometime before we left or got back to the center. I secured the locks and windows before rolling out. So it had to be when I was preparing my bike or HELPING OTHERS with AIR, TOOLS, OR REPAIRS. YOU STOLE MY backpack. I ALWAYS help others on the ride, and you steal from me!! YOU SUCK!!
SJBP people with cars, LOCK YOUR DOORS, SECURE THE VEHICLE!! I’m not parking @ Dick’s Center if I come to the next ride. I’m riding in.
PEACE (I hope)
Kristina
June 21, 2009
I loved bike party, going on 7 months.
LIght rider i felt did not embody bike party like it should.
Too much tension between riders.
I stopped at light, and got yelled at for doing so.
I will continue to go, and hope that in the future,
people will follow my actions,
and bring back a more positive Bike Party
joe gomez
June 21, 2009
As long as bike party remains an open event people will ride however they want. Going through or stopping at red lights is a matter of individual choice that comes with individual consequences. If I choose go through a light and get a ticket or get killed by a car it’s nobody’s fault but mine. You people should stop worrying about what others do so much. That is unless your anti-individual freedom. If you want to change the way people ride you could start registering participants or charging a fee which would be the death of SJBP. Leave the policing to the police you Nazis.
bobbit
June 21, 2009
I agree completely
John Dixon
June 21, 2009
\\//\\// ( o ) \\//\\// ! ! !
I’m making the next planning meeting for sure. I can’t begin to touch base on the issues I had with last night’s ride. It started out fairly positive (at least from my perspective) and ended all bad.
Fighting? Really? Are you 16? Maybe!
I can’t believe some of the things I saw on this ride. I really love BikeParty, but I don’t see how it will last if there aren’t MAJOR changes to the way a select few people chose to behave.
If someone, like myself, tells you to “Please stay to the right” and your response is “Fuck off” you’re obviously not part of the party. You’re part of the problem.
SHAPE UP, OR SHIP OUT!
Jimmy Zamora
June 21, 2009
Most people DID stop at red lights in my areas. Some did go through but then yelling not to run the reds usually stopped the rest of the people. There will always be a subset of people who break the rules, that’s just how it is.
Twitter/Bullhorn: I am with Megan that Twitter is far more effective in telling everyone something important all at once. A bullhorn is really short-range not to mention annoying to people in their homes. The bullhorn might be good for announcments at the re-group areas but I see both Twitter and a bullhorn as having two distinct uses.
Volunteers who are really commited should consdier getting a walkie for themselves, they don’t have to be expensive at all (20 bucks?).
I was one who got hit with rocks from the red truck after it almost ran me over in it’s move to start driving down the wrong side of the street. However I saw it as an extreme example and not the norm of motorists in general. This is real criminal activity and should be dealt with by the police and not with violence on the part of the rider. Taking photos, shooting video, filing a police report should be the main way of dealing with this. Self-defense measures should be used when necessary but I would hope that riders not try to call out the drivers. One car speeding through hundreds of cyclists would mean some serious carnage!
As far as the jerky riders…that is just how things have gotten in general with cycling. I remember when most cyclists were polite, over-educated, upper-middle class folks but those days are over. Bikes and cycling is wide open now and has pulled people from the larger population, with that comes a lot of a**holes as well.
I think that since people love bike party and if they really do feel that they are a part of it as a community, then a lot of them will step up to squash the conflicts before they go too far. Not through special forces or bouncers but by simply not condoning it in their midsts. I really think that will stop the majority of the skirmishes.
These are just the sort of problems that happen with large groups of people, especially when the only criteria for participation is posession of a bicycle. I really think that it’s too soon to write the obituary for the bike party though
so that’s my two cents.
Rob Gee
June 21, 2009
This was my first bikeride and I had a blast. The only thing I did not like was the a**hat that was driving the big red truck. What a douche bag! I almost got hit by rocks as they drove by when we were at a stop light…Next time I will try and take pics of the plate. Overall I would do it again.
Samson
June 21, 2009
We’re all blaming the guys in the red truck. What about the disrespectful riders?
I was trailing a bunch of retard kids riding into everybody’s path because they were drunk and high; they bragged about this themselves! They banged and spit on people’s cars. And he drew the last straw when he clipped my front tire. I was the guy that got off my bike and almost pounded the shit out of those kids. Eventually other riders started to oust them and shove them into a 711 parking lot.
That is EXACTLY what we all oughtta pitch in to do! Rather than place blame on the disrespectful drivers and riders, we need to step it up and let them know….. or put them in line!
That, or this whole thing will get shut down if these problems perpetuate.
SanJoe
June 21, 2009
I did not participate in the ride, but watched from East Saint James St. I didn’t know this ride existed. Very awesome. My family was up visiting from Sacramento and we all enjoyed it. Thanks for all that participated. I was amazed and will try to join the next one.
Only downside I saw was some idiot who tried to provoke a fight with other riders because he fell. Amazing.
miss sarah
June 21, 2009
There are a couple of things I noticed that was different about this ride. People were more vocal and obvious about their drinking. I heard one guy yell to a bystander, “grab and bike and come get drunk!” I understand the connotations of party and tend to take a nip here and there, but what I don’t understand is the blatant use of drinking as a means to avid responsibility and act a fool. Most of the assholes I noticed were old enough to know better. I want to be able to help direct traffic and guide people through the ride, but not when I get yelled at and threatened by fellow riders. I don’t want to be in fear for my own safety from other riders. Especially a bunch of drunk idiots.
Also, the red lights worked for me. It created a balance of little groups that allowed the strong riders to roll forward on green, while still keeping the slower riders in the pack.
Lastly, the size and ease of entering and exiting the rendezvous points was critical this ride. We need to continue to use parking lots that can hold all of us and not create a cluster f%ck.
chrisu
June 21, 2009
The big red truck… I guess I was fortunate enough to only have soda thrown at me (guess he ran out of ammo). Other than that I thought the ride was ok.
DRAskii408
June 21, 2009
WOW! 1,500 RIDERS!!
That’s great, but i noticed things go hectic at the red light..To run or not to run the reds??? I think that’s a main cause for hostility between riders.
But lets not let those issues get our spirits down!!!
This is BIKE PARTY we’re talking about!!!
Together we can make SJBP a success : D
Rider that weren’t happy with this month’s ride: Don’t give up on BP, instead, why do you help plan next months to make it safer and more fun!!
Thank you to all the BIRDS out there!
scottl
June 21, 2009
Keep the faith Kristina….this was the first event with the strong push for a “STOP FOR RED LIGHTS” so I think it will take a few rides to completely change things around.
I will commit to pushing for more music in the ride, so we can groove at each red light. I will push for creative ways to promote the message to NOT drink and ride.
I will commit to stopping at red lights and having a great time. I will commit to trying to get others to ride responsibly. I will commit to recruit volunteers for the day of the event and for pre-rides and the planning meetings.
At 1500+ people we have the luxury of using peer pressure to keep the drama and the drinking away from the ride and keep it as easy going as possible. I commit to helping out the organizers do this. Please join me!
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June 21, 2009
Since this was only my second ride, I can only compare the two. The previous month had a more enjoyable chill vibe to it while the light rider felt more edgy. I think that stopping at red lights is a good safety move and helps let traffic not get blocked in by the wall of bikes.
My favorite moments were passing families on the east side who came out to wave, stopping to help inflate tires, and hearing that my friend actually enjoyed himself. I want to continue riding and being part of something that is positive.
John Dixon
June 21, 2009
Scott I’m sooooo down for test rides. I talked to amber on friday and she said you were the person to get in contact with. Please e-mail me @ JohnDixon@hotmail.com
I look forward to hearing from you!
scottl
June 21, 2009
Yes John….Justin and I help spearhead the routes, but there are others too that are integral to this effort. We definitely need more to join us.
I’m seeking two “pre-rides” per month. One before the planning meeting; one after. These pre-rides are “shakedowns” before the rides that are meant to discover issues with the rides and come up with workarounds or even minor to major route changes.
10-20 new volunteer riders would be fantastic, from newbies to veterans! I’ll see if our admin can set up an email alias on sjbp. In the mean time I’ll contact you directly John. Thanks! S