A quick mention of an incident last Friday up in Seattle that is beginning to hit the national wires.
Seattle, Wash. - A group of Seattle Critical Mass riders were involved in the assault of a driver that put the man in the hospital and caused $1,500 in damage to the vehicle.
The incident on Capitol Hill has led to a reopening of the car versus bicycle debate, with some - including one of the nation's largest bicycling clubs - calling for the contentious Seattle Critical Mass program to be disbanded.
Two of the riders have been charged in the attack, and police are searching for a third man who is alleged to have struck the victim in the head with a bike lock.
While it will take some time for the issue to fully develop and play out, online forums and blogs are already deeply embroiled in the debate.
Some supporters of the Critical Mass dispute the police version of the events, saying that the driver initiated the attack. Their opponents contend that this is evidence that Critical Mass is mere hooliganism.
Link to more media coverage
3 comments:
As an avid cyclist, being that it's my only mode of transportation, I can understand the occasional frustrations caused by the motorist community with who we share the streets. That being said, however, it is entirely unreasonable for this act to have happened. I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate effect this will have on the bicycle community as a potential "gang of thugs."
Having participated in several non-violent CMs in the past years, I can attest to the fun and welcoming atmosphere that is the intent. I think more than anything we cyclists need to rethink and correctly demonstrate the intention of Critical Mass as a movement for public awareness of bicycle safety and green transportation to refute the false accusations of being a violent "gang."
While it is unfortunate that the situation surrounding numerous Critical Mass rides has turned violent, it is imperative to recognize fault in the individuals, not the group as a whole. The good intentions of Critical Mass are frequently tainted by over-anxious and excess police responses, as well as through the reckless movements of riders themselves. I choose not to participate in Critical Mass in order distance myself from possible violent situations which can and have occurred on the various sides of this event. While it feel like a veritable expurgation of frustrations to wield a lock with the intent to harm, it forgoes thoughts of community impact.
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