Cyclists generate critical discussion

Today I had my first article published on the main Editorial Page (aka View From the West and Beyond) of the Winnipeg Free Press. Unlike the stuff I wrote for The Tab this article is fairly serious, although I did try to have a little fun with the idea of rampaging cyclists setting city hall alight. Here it is:

Cyclists generate critical discussion

Tue Aug 29 2006

By Ryan Kinrade

CRITICAL Mass demonstrations in Winnipeg have created a heap of controversy this summer, but ultimately they have generated an equal amount of discussion, which must be seen as a good thing. Winnipeg needs to think more seriously about its reliance on single-passenger motor vehicle use. And winter, harsh as it can be, is no excuse to continue indefinitely with our unsustainable status quo.

The protests have divided our socially conscious citizenry into two distinct camps. On the one side, there are those that condemn this event and see it primarily as a way for young people to display their hatred of authority. The police, the mayor and many angry motorists seem to be firmly rooted in this camp. During the last ride on Friday, the police presence, though generally friendly and non-provocative, was so heavy you would think riders were intent on burning down city hall before rioting and looting their way through the rest of downtown.

However, what I observed from my bicycle seat was a wide array of citizenry intent on peace rather than the destruction of civil order. The perception that Critical Mass protesters are anarchist malcontents is only partially true. Every movement has its share of radicals and mischief makers, but people who level this accusation on all riders are making a grave mistake. I noted professional people in attendance, people with children, people who care about our environment, and people who support a strong and healthy community, along with the much reviled cadre of young agitators.

My intent as a participant was not to support disassembling the body politic, or even to flaunt a hatred for motorists and/or law and order. I rode because I believe in my rights as a commuting cyclist, and because I insist that our civic government address the issue of a lack of infrastructure for those of us who wish to use this superior form of transportation as our main means of mobility.

I rode because I believe it is imperative that cyclists feel safe on the streets -- which is where they belong at all times -- and because I feel that this protest has created an atmosphere and appetite in the media to further this vital discussion.

Troublemakers

I realize that there are those who will never see Critical Mass participants as anything more than troublemakers. The free-form nature of the protest is undoubtedly too much for the more conservative rank of citizenry to ever come to terms with. Their minds are indelibly imprinted with images of unwashed radicals fighting it out with police in the May and June rallies. To them Critical Mass is an inconvenience, and ultimately an ineffective protest with no greater aim than to give a great big middle finger to social order and "decent" law-abiding folks.

To a certain extent, I sympathize with this segment of society. I believe Critical Mass has made its point. As an apolitical, leaderless movement it will never have the clout required to change minds at city hall. All it can do is continue to serve as a reminder that a growing number of pedal-pushers demand rights and a place in the consciousness of the motorized majority.

It is my sincere hope that the result of these demonstrations will be a greater vision for this city, along with the political will to enact positive change for everyone who rides a bike on the dangerous streets of Winnipeg, along with those who would join us if they felt safe enough.

Ryan Kinrade is an avid Winnipeg cyclist.