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[Tekno Arkitect]

This thread is about Cycling, Critical Mass Events and designing cities keeping in consideration bicylcing as a mode of transportation.

[Tekno Arkitect]

Critical Mass

San Francisco Critical Mass, April 29, 2005.Critical Mass is a bicycling event typically held on the last Friday of every month in over 300 cities around the world.[1] While the ride was originally founded in 1992 in San Francisco with the idea of drawing attention to how unfriendly the city was to cyclists,[2] the leaderless structure of Critical Mass makes it impossible to assign it any one specific goal. In fact, the purpose of Critical Mass is not formalized beyond the direct action of meeting at a set location and time and traveling as a group through city or town streets on bikes.



Background

San Francisco Broadway Tunnel 29 September 2006Critical Mass rides have been perceived as protest activities. A 2006 New Yorker magazine article described Critical Mass' activity in New York City as "monthly political-protest rides", and characterized Critical Mass as a part of a social movement;[3] and the UK e-zine Urban75, which advertises as well as publishes photographs of the Critical Mass event in London, describes this as "the monthly protest by cyclists reclaiming the streets of London."[4] However, Critical Mass participants have insisted that these events should be viewed as "celebrations" and spontaneous gatherings, and not as protests or organized demonstrations.[5][6] This stance allows Critical Mass to argue a legal position that its events can occur without advance notification of local police.[7][8]

Critical Mass rides vary greatly in many respects, including frequency and number of participants. For example, many small cities have monthly Critical Mass rides with fewer than twenty riders which offer safety in numbers[9] to cyclists in those locales, while on the opposite extreme, in what have been the largest events using the name Critical Mass, cyclists in Budapest, Hungary hold only two rides each year on April 22 (Earth Day) and September 22 (International Car Free Day). The 'Budapest style' attracts tens of thousands of riders.[10] The April 20, 2008 Budapest ride participation was estimated at 80,000 riders.[11][12]

History

Bike lift at Heroes' Square, Budapest, April 22, 2006Critical Mass-like bike tours with hundreds of participants took place in Stockholm, Sweden in the early 1970s.[13] But the first ride within the present wave took place on Friday, September 25, 1992 at 6 p.m. in San Francisco. At that time, the event was known as Commute Clot and was composed of a couple of dozen cyclists who had received flyers on Market Street.[2]

Shortly after this, some participants in that ride went to a local bicycle shop for a screening of Ted White's documentary Return of the Scorcher, about bike culture overseas. In that film, American human powered vehicle and pedicabs designer George Bliss noted that, in China, both motorists and bicyclists had an understood method of negotiating intersections without signals. Traffic would "bunch up" at these intersections until the backlog reached a "critical mass", at which point that mass would move through the intersection. That term from the movie was applied to the ride,[14] and the name caught on, replacing "Commute Clot" by the time of the second event.[2]

By the time of the fourth ride, the number of cyclists had increased to around 100 and participation continued to grow dramatically, reaching about 1,000 riders, on average.[2]

The name was soon adopted as a generic label by participants in similar but independent mass rides that were either initiated in various locations around the world at around the same time, or had already existed before 1992 under other names. It is estimated that there are Critical Mass-type rides in more than 325 cities to date. The term "masser" is sometimes applied to a frequent participant.[15]


Structure

Critical Mass differs from many other social movements in its rhizomal (rather than hierarchical) structure. Critical Mass is sometimes called an "organized coincidence", with no leadership or membership. The routes of some rides are decided spontaneously by whomever is currently at the front of the ride, others are decided prior to the ride by a popular vote of suggested routes often drawn up on photocopied flyers. The term xerocracy was coined to describe a process by which the route for a Critical Mass can be decided: anyone who has an opinion makes their own map and distributes it to the cyclists participating in the Mass. Still other rides decide the route by consensus. The "disorganized" nature of the event allows it to largely escape clampdown by authorities who may view the rides as forms of parades or organized protest. Additionally, the movement is free from the structural costs associated with a centralized, hierarchical organization. In order for the event to function, the only requirement is a sufficient turn-out to create a "critical mass" of riders dense enough to occupy a piece of road to the exclusion of drivers of motorized vehicles. Authorities in New York, California and Oregon have expressed concern with the difficulty of coordinating with the riders, due to the lack of leadership.[16][17][18]

The city of New Haven includes the event in its city-published Green Map.[19]

Corking



Detail from the November 20, 1992 flyer by Joel Pomerantz which introduced the concept of corking.Because Critical Mass takes place without an official route or sanction, participants in some cities have sometimes practiced a tactic known as "corking" in order to maintain the cohesion of the group. This tactic consists of a few riders blocking traffic from side roads so that the mass can freely proceed through red lights without interruption. Corking allows the mass to engage in a variety of activities, such as forming a cyclone, lifting their bikes in a tradition known as a "Bike Lift" (in Chicago this is referred to as a Chicago hold-up), or to perform a "die-in" where riders lie on the ground with their bikes to symbolise cyclist deaths and injuries caused by automobiles, very popular in Montreal. The 'Corks' sometimes take advantage of their time corking to distribute flyers.

Critics argue that the practice of corking roads in order to pass through red lights as a group is contrary to Critical Mass' claim that "we are traffic", since ordinary traffic (including bicycle traffic) does not usually have the right to go through intersections once the traffic signal has changed to red. Corking has sometimes led to hostility between motorists and riders, even erupting into violence and arrests of motorists and cyclists alike during Critical Mass rides.[20]



Reaction and controversy

General impact

The Rand Corporation produced a white paper entitled "What Next for Networks and Netwars?" analyzing the tactics of the ride, as part of an evaluation of decentralized decision-making for potential military battlefield use.[21] The ride has generated books,[22] documentary films,[23] murals,[24] and other secondary artifacts.

Conflicts involving Critical Mass

Conflicts involving Critical Mass

Critical Mass rides have generated considerable controversy and public opposition.[25] Critics claim that Critical Mass is a deliberate attempt to obstruct traffic and disrupt normal city functions, asserting that individuals taking part refuse to obey traffic laws.[26] Altercations with police and motorists have occurred. Although uncommon, protesters are sometimes present at Critical Mass events to oppose the group's methods.

[edit] Reaction of other cyclists
Some bicycling advocacy groups have expressed concern that the "subversive" nature of Critical Mass and altercations with motorists could weaken public support for bicyclists.[17] Though it does not condone incidents of violence and rudeness, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition credits Critical Mass with spotlighting bicycle issues and aiding their efforts in advocating for cyclists.[2]

Critical Manners

In San Francisco, an event known as "Critical Manners" was created as a response to Critical Mass. Critical Manners rides through the city on the second Friday of the month, with riders encouraged to obey all traffic laws such as stopping at red lights and signaling.[27][28][29] Tucson, Arizona holds the Tuesday Night Community Bike Ride as their alternative to Critical Mass. The weekly ride encourages bicycle commuting and motor vehicle awareness in a peaceful and friendly way.[30]

In 2007 there were conversations about starting Critical Manners in Portland, Oregon.[31] According to the Critical Mass book, a similar project known as Courteous Mass is described as "an alternative to Critical Mass." Courteous Mass was discontinued in late 2002 due to "lack of interest".[32]

An alternative ride named RideCivil formed in Seattle in late 2007.[33] Rides are on the second Friday of every month, and focus on encouraging civility between motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.[34]

On August 14, 2009 there was a Critical Manners ride in Vancouver, British Columbia.[35] The ride consisted of between 70-100 cyclists riding through the downtown core, making all attempts to follow the rules of the road (stopping at red lights / stop signs, using hand signals to turn, using the right-most lane or bike lane when applicable). The event generated some coverage in the local media[36] and was generally deemed a success by the participants, although there were some criticisms.[37] Unfortunately, the ride only made it through one outing. [38]

Other movements

The Critical Mass rides have inspired a number of other bicycle movements, that range from political movements to the "Critical Tits" ride during the yearly Burning Man festival.[39] In Chicago, a movement has grown out of the Critical Mass community to promote winter cycling via the bikewinter campaign.[40] The extensive news coverage of San Francisco's July 1997 ride spawned an international celebration of bicycling, called Bike Summer.[41] Kidical Mass originated in Oregon, and encourages bicycle riding for children and families.[42] Critical Sass is an all female version of the ride in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that takes place the second Friday of every month. Tweed run is a well dressed mass which takes place annually in a number of cities across the world. Examples of Critical Mass rides for political movements includes the Free Tibet Rides (May 2008): Free Tibet Critical Mass in Columbia, Missouri, "Tibetan Freedom Bike Rally" in San Francisco (Aug 2008), and in "Bike Ride for Tibet" in London (Aug 2008).[43]

San Jose is the home to the massive San Jose Bike Party. Bike Party rides on the third Friday of the month with a different starting point and route each time. Rides are typically 20 - 25 miles in length and usually have 2,000 - 2,500 riders, with a peak of 4,300 in October 2009. The ride aims to build a community of cyclists and prove that bikes can co-exist with cars. It is very much to the opposite of Critical Mass in that it rides after rush hour and obeys all traffic laws, including stopping at red lights.

Critical Mass

[Tekno Arkitect]

[Tekno Arkitect]

London: How cyclists around the world put a spoke in the motorist's wheel

Once a month in city centres drivers are giving way. Richard Madden gets on his bike

Published: 12:01AM GMT 16 Dec 2003

It is late July in Paris and the Tour de France is approaching its climax. My wife, Sarah, and I have unwittingly timed a romantic weekend in the French capital to coincide with the world's ultimate cycling event. In a spirit of empathy with our hosts, we decide to celebrate by doing something worthy of a couple of mad rosbifs and hire a tandem to see the sights.

Our ride takes us along the cobbled banks of the Seine and up the Champs-Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. Apart from the screams of pure terror from my helpless passenger as we round the insane dodgem rink of the Place de la Concorde, we both agree that Paris's 100 miles of cycle lanes are an excellent way of getting around the city.

Conversations with our fellow cyclists reveal that this mass event takes place in Paris on the last Friday of every month. Later research reveals that far from being confined to Paris, Critical Mass is a worldwide movement. It all began on September 25, 1992, in San Francisco, and has now spread to more than 300 cities around the world, including some 40 in the UK. While the overall objective is to make cities more cycle-friendly, the movement is apolitical. Rides last for a couple of hours and the route is not pre-determined.

Fast forward a few months and I am in London one dark November night giving the UK version of Critical Mass a road test. My wife has declined to come with me but by the time the ride sets off from beneath Waterloo Bridge at around 7pm there are more than 70 of us. In the summer, a veteran tells me, there are sometimes well over a thousand.

We are a motley but cheerful crew. I meet Andy from Glasgow, a reformed alcoholic; Martin from Essex, who speaks so quietly I can't hear what he's saying; Nigel in a wheelchair, who looks as if he'll last longer than all of us; and a matronly lady on a sit-up-and-beg bone-shaker.

Again the experience proves a revelation. Everything with an engine is brought to a stand-still by our escort of cycling police, a special unit on mountain bikes equipped with flashing blue lights and wailing klaxon horns. Our route today takes us over Waterloo Bridge, down the Strand, through Trafalgar Square, along Pall Mall and up and around into Piccadilly Circus. "Get a life!" shouts a car junkie out of his window but his words are drowned out by a cacophony of fog horns and bicycle bells.

About an hour and a half into the ride, we spontaneously come to a halt outside the Duke of York in Hatton Garden, a favoured watering hole of bicycle couriers. While some continue off into the night, I finish my ride with a celebratory pint with a group of new-found friends, an enthusiastic new recruit to the cause of mass city cycling.

An International Critical Mass Meet-up takes place on Friday in London and more than 600 other cities worldwide. London participants should meet between 6-6.30pm on the South Bank of the Thames beneath Waterloo Bridge outside the National Film Theatre; cyclists are encouraged to wear seasonal gear. For details of other meeting points around the world, visit www.critical-mass.org and criticalmass.meetup.com.

[Tekno Arkitect]

It’s time for the October Critical Mass Lahore!!!
October 23, 2009

Join Lahore’s 11th Critical Mass Event at 10:15am this Sunday 25 October 2009 from the Fountain Square, Neela Gumbat, behind Bank Square on Mall Road, Lahore.

This Critical Mass cycling event ill see us prowling the innards of Lahore where riding a bike offers the chance to sample more of Walled City life without picking a tab.

The thrum of the historic Walled City will lift your spirits as we catch the city-folks going about their morning ritual of Nashta. If you’re worried about the security situation, you can stay at home at let the terrorists win.

Spinning via Anarkali Bazar we will enter the walled city from Lohari Gate and zigzag our way through the maze of Said Mitha, Paniwala Talab, Rang Mahal, Kashmiri Bazar, Chuna Mandi, Sheranwala Gate, and weave our way back from Fort Road, Red Light District, and Bhati Gate returning to Nila Gumbad via Lower Mall.

Critical Mass is about having clean cities that provide mobility and accessibility. Critical Mass is about clean transport. Critical Mass is about putting public good over private interest. Critical Mass is about making friends. Critical Mass is about reclaiming public space. Critical Mass is about showing a man or a woman on a cycle is the same as one in a ten lac car. Critical Mass is about democracy.

What do I need to participate in a Critical Mass Event?

All you need is a road-worthy cycle and an sense of fun. Buy, beg, borrow or steal a cycle if you have to, but join the Mass. Come, cycle around Lahore. Reclaim your city, and have more fun than you can imagine!

Where and how else do Critical Mass Events take place?

Critical Mass events are typically held on the last Friday of each month in over 250 cities all over the world. In Lahore, it is held on the last Sunday of every month. For information about October’s Critical Mass Lahore, be at Fountain Square, Neela Gumbat, Lahore by 10:15am this Sunday 25 September 2009 or visit the Critical Mass Lahore Facebook page (http://www.facebook....gid=38992998526) or the Critical Mass Lahore blog.

[Tekno Arkitect]

To All the Cyclist lover, Critical Mass has started in Pakistan also. Following Lahore, now Critical Mass is held in Islamabad and Karachi. To get yourself intouch with the activity, join the Critical Mass on Facebook and be a part of silent change in our automobile dominated society.


Lahore Critical Mas

Islamabad Critcal Mass

Karachi Critical Mass

[Tekno Arkitect]

Critical mass
Monday, October 26, 2009

It is encouraging to see a small group of young people start what is internationally known as the ‘Critical Mass’ movement. The group organises a bicycling event every Sunday in Islamabad. Similar groups are active in more than 300 cities worldwide and are said to operate as a loose network with no formal leadership or structure.

During the 1980s and the 1990, Islamabad was a city friendly to pedestrians and cyclists. The same cannot be said about the city today as the car reigns supreme. As the price of fuel increases and roadblocks slow traffic, it is only practical to consider bicycles as the only viable alternative for certain areas of Islamabad. Therefore, the point that the youngsters are trying to make is perhaps a valid one and does not seem to be constrained to boundaries of class or gender.

However, due to security concerns they are forced to cancel this week’s event. It is the brave idealism of these young people that will hopefully clear psychological scars that almost every Pakistani is likely to bear for a long time. It is time to encourage them to come forward and keep the light alive that a better Pakistan is possible for people from every class.

Adnan Cyprian
Riyadh

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=205084

[Tekno Arkitect]

Positive view of the city

All the year long, what make up the shehr stories are non-existent or non-functional civic amenities, heritage sites falling apart, roads that refuse to be built and so on. 2009 saw some positive changes in Lahore. TNS picks on a few…

Car-free Sundays

Last year Lahoris found a group of people cycling on the busiest city roads on Sundays in a bid to promote environment-friendly private transport. Critical Mass Lahore celebrated its first anniversary last week. It organised 54 cycle rides over the course of the year, from Jallo Park to Walled City to Bahria Town.

Urban planning in Pakistan facilitates automobiles, to the exclusion of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. Whereas people once boasted about Lahore being the city of gardens, pro-automobile urban planning has replaced public recreational space with tarmac, cars and air pollution.

Critical Mass Lahore is a step towards raising awareness on urban planning issues. It seeks to highlight that cycle transport is environmentally safe, sustainable and, more importantly, a friendly and democratic means of getting around. It is a cycling group that meets every week and is open for everyone and anyone.

So far, Critical Mass Lahore has focused on cycling activities. This year, it resolves to work with the traffic police and local administration to lobby for car free Sundays.

See: http://www.facebook....gid=38992998526

[Tekno Arkitect]

Critical Mass Lahore - Cycling

Pix coming soon

[Tekno Arkitect]

Islamabad Critical Mass: http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=130450477380&view=all#!/group.php?gid=130450477380

Come Join Us!

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[Tekno Arkitect]

Islamabad Critical Mass

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[Tekno Arkitect]

Health benefits
Below are summarised some of the health benefits of cycling, for the individual and society as a whole. Many of the benefits are not unique to cycling but are a consequence of moderate physical activity. In several cases, however, cycling enables that benefit to be achieved more easily, more widely or more effectively.

This should not be regarded as an authoritative treatment of the subject, relying as it does on the primary sources [1] [2] referenced below. Those sources provide much more detailed information and full references.

Immune system
The immune system serves to protect the body from infections and diverse systemic diseases. Studies show that moderate activity, such as cycling, strengthens the immune system and thus contributes to a healthy life. It can also increase activity against tumour cells, assisting the prevention of related illnesses.

Muscles
Humans have several hundred muscles, which have to be used regularly in order to maintain fitness and health. A week of inactivity reduces the strength of the muscular system by up to 50% and can harm them long-term. This is particularly true for older people as aging causes muscles to shrink.
During cycling, most of the body's muscles are activated. The leg muscles are responsible for the pedalling movement; the abdomen and back muscles stabilise the body on the cycle and cushion external influences; and the shoulder-arm muscular system supports the body at the handlebars. All this trains and tightens up the muscular system, making it stronger and able to function efficiently.

The skeletal system
This is the body's supporting framework, held together by muscles, tendons and ligaments. Exercise and the accompanying strain on the skeletal system strengthens it and increases mobility. Cycling has a positive effect on bone density and strength. Moreover, a muscular system strengthened by cycling supports and protects the skeletal system.

Spinal diseases and back pains
Posture when cycling is optimum, and the cyclic movement of the legs stimulates muscles in the lower back, where slipped discs are most likely to occur. In this way the spine is strengthened and secured against external stresses. In particular cycling can stimulate the small muscles of the vertebrae which are difficult to affect through other exercise. This can help reduce the likelihood of back pains and other problems.

Joint protection
Cycling is especially good at protecting and feeding cartilages as the support given by the bicycle means that the forces that act as a result of body weight are significantly reduced. The circular movement of cycling assists the transport of energy and other metabolic produces to the cartilages, reducing the likelihood of arthrosis.

Balance and equilibrium
Physical activity serves as a regulator to relieve the stress that is common in current lifestyles. It produces the balance between exertion and relaxation which is so important for the body's inner equilibrium. Cycling is especially ideal for this process, countering stress in two ways: by satisfying the need for activity where people lack movement or exercise; and by balancing out increased strain, particularly mental and emotional.

Mental stress
Cycling has a considerable relaxing effect due to its uniform, cyclic movement which stablises the physical and emotional functions of the body. This counteracts anxiety, depression and other psychological problems. The exercise also controls hormonal balance.

Oxygen and circulation
Oxygen is vital for all biological organisms and the basic prerequisite for the respiratory processes of humans. Respiration is often impaired by adiposity and lack of exercise. Among other things, regular physical activity strengthens the respiratory muscles, which leads to improved ventilation of the lungs and thus has a positive effect on oxygen exchange. Enormous positive health effects can be achieved in energy uptake and processing, through moderate cycling.

Heart and cardiovascular diseases
The heart is one of the most important organisms for a healthy life but can be damaged by inactivity. Cycling is ideal for training the heart to be stronger which results in less stress of the heart. All the risk factors that lead to a heart attack are reduced and regular cycling reduces the likelihood of heart attack by more than 50%.

Body weight, adiposity and obesity
Cycling is ideal for targeting these problems as 70% of the body's weight is borne by the saddle, thus enabling people who could not otherwise move easily to exercise to increase their physical fitness and stimulate fat metabolism. Cycling also contributes to weight reduction by burning energy.

Body fat and hypercholesterol
Cycling can train the organism to use up fat reserves and also changes the cholesterol balance, favouring the protective kind over that which is threatening to health. As body weight reduces and cholesterol is optimised, a protective mechanism is enabled by continuing to cycle. Regular exercise during youth is a prevention factor against excessive body weight in adults.

Blood pressure
Moderate cycling can prevent, or at least reduce, high blood pressure and so help to avoid stroke or damage to the organs. Blood pressure is also reduced by a lower heart rate, which is a result of regular cycling.

Cancers
Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of colon, breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers, and possibly lung and endometrial cancers too.

Stamina
Cycling is especially good for aerobic exercise as the strain on the body is less than in other endurance sports. Improved stamina reduces tiredness and fatigue and promotes a sense of well-being..

Beauty and attractiveness
Beauty and attractiveness are much linked to body shape and condition. Cycling can positively influence these by controlling body weight and muscular form. Skin also benefits from the metabolic processes that are stimulated. In addition, cycling affects physical feeling which influences the perception of others.

Physical workout
In addition to regular moderate exercise, the body benefits from more demanding activity from time to time, which improves fitness and provides greater diversion from everyday problems. Cycling can provide more intensive activity as easily as by pedalling faster or harder.

Quality of life
Physical activity has a direct effect on well-being and health. Cycling has numerous advantages that can directly affect quality of life, as it provides benefits both physically and emotionally. Regular exercise, taken as an integral part of daily life, is needed to permanently enhance the quality of life.

Secondary benefits
More cycling, especially as an alternative to motor vehicle travel, would bring substantial health benefits for society as a whole due to improved air quality, reduced noise and danger, and greater independence for children.

[Tekno Arkitect]

CRITICAL MASS ISLAMABAD - FACEBOOK GROUP

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[wasan khattak]

CRITICAL MASS ISLAMABAD - FACEBOOK GROUP

Please tell me your Facebook ID, I want to join.


My Facebook ID is:
http://www.facebook....100837153306804 ID is: Wasan Khattak


regards

wasan khurshid

[Muhammad TariqRaheel]

Nice....................

[waseem]

@ Techno,

Why it is called "Critical Mass event.

Is there a group in lahore as well ?

[Tekno Arkitect]

@ Techno,

Why it is called "Critical Mass event.

Is there a group in lahore as well ?

You can check the definition and its evolution on the internet.

There is a CME group for Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad & Faisalabad. You can join it on the facebook for regular ride updates.

[Tekno Arkitect]

Pro-cycling culture Making Islamabad a Bicycle-friendly City
Sana Jamal

Islamabad—The ordinarily car-clogged streets of Islamabad presented an inspirational sight when dozens of local bicyclists came together on roads to promote pro-cycling culture in the capital city. These bicycle enthusiasts were taking part in the Critical Mass Mega Cycling Ride on a pre-determined route that started from F-9 Park and continued for over three hours. The encouraging event was arranged by Critical Mass Islamabad (CMI), capital’s only social cycling group.

The smiling cyclists wearing safety helmets not only surprised their street fellows in vehicles but also inspired them to take up cycling as a sports, recreational pastime, and everyday mode of mobility to peddle towards a healthier future. Participants, including students, professionals, and foreigners, called cycling a “great pastime as well as a healthy activity.”

“We want to revive cycling as a communal sport to promote it as a sport and mode of transportation” which not only saves energy (fuel), but also promotes physical fitness, said Rana Atif Rehman, one of the founding members of CMI.

Critical Mass Islamabad (CMI) was formed back in 2009 after the Lahore and Karachi group to encourage more people to take up cycling and promote it as a safer and enjoyable sport. Critical Mass is a monthly cycling event that began in San Francisco in the early 1990s and has since spread to hundreds of cities around the world.

By promoting the use of bicycle among people of diverse socio-economic background, the group also aims to decrease the VIP culture in the country. In many developed countries, government officials use bicycles to travel to encourage people to adopt simple lifestyle.

“We should also should introduce and promote such a culture to help our people live simpler and healthier lives” maintained Ali Mohsin, a participant.

Apart from benefits, the cycle-friendly citizens also pointed concerns of the bicyclists. “Bicyclists and pedestrians are as much equal citizens as the car divers but the policies and street designs have never reflected our needs and presence” grumbled the participants.

“We respect the law, and stop at each signal” said Rafia Qasim, a cyclist. “But we also need fair treatment by the authorities like the dashed yellow lines and dedicated cycle path.” The signage can only be seen on Margallah Road.