So here's the deal: There's a worldwide organization, with a sizable following in Chicago, called Critical Mass. On the last Friday of every month, they get together in a group and ride bicycles through city. They are pro-bike, and to a varying extent depending on the rider, anti-car.
The issue is that when they ride, they form a pack, miles long, that takes over the street and rolls through intersections, taking about 10-15 minutes to clear an intersection. Meanwhile, all of the other traffic, cars and pedestrians, trying to cross the street can't go even when they have the green light or walk signs.
Even if it's not declared as their primary objective, the direct result of their ride is creating massive gridlock on city streets. And it's not just passenger cars, it stops buses, delivery vans, and earth-loving pedestrians as well. They also claim to be promoting bicycling as a form of green transportation, but are causing more fuel to be burnt as thousands of cars are idling in stopped traffic.
I understand cyclists want to ride their bikes, and that's fine, but even when you form a group, is it too much to ask, to stop at the red lights? Just because we're not riding a bike doesn't make us evil, and it doesn't mean that everyone should lose 15 minutes of their Friday night stuck waiting in traffic.
What is especially irritating is how they respond to people honking trying to get through. They yell "Happy Friday" as if they are just innocent, peace loving cyclists and everyone should get along. You're not innocent. Bikes have to obey traffic laws just as much as cars, and they're purposefully running red lights, about 10 in a row. You caused this massive gridlock and want to pretend like it's just awesome.
And I'm not anti-bike. I fully support Bike the Drive where they shut down Lake Shore Drive on a pre-determined Sunday morning. I think we need to get bike lanes next to the sidewalk instead of next to the parking lane. But please don't take my time away from me.
No comments:
Post a Comment