Violence at Seattle Critical Mass.

I posted my ill-informed and ignorant views on this issue over at Tumblr, so I might as well put it out here.

It’s all over the web but here’s my two cents. Seattle’s monthly Critical Mass ride got violent last week. The Seattle Times has the story which, encouragingly, actually attempts to get the cyclists’ version of events into print.

The central point, for me, has to be that attitudes have to change. According to the cyclists, the driver yelled out he was running late and would drive into them if they didn’t move. My question is: why did he think he should get priority?

When I’m in gridlock on the freeway, I don’t tell everyone to move if I’m late. That’s because it’s 5pm on a workday and I know the freeway will be gridlocked. The same logic should apply on all roads to all road users.

Accordingly. If you’re on a particular street in the city on a Critical Mass Friday, don’t expect that the usual priority you enjoy as a car user will be given. Consider the cyclists as you would other cars. If you’ve got an appointment: plan.

And the usual rules about human behavior also apply: don’t threaten people.

New York.

[credit]

I love New York. Sadly, I’ve only been there once.

There’s something almost artistic about urbanisation at its most advanced stage – where its so prolific that its a part of the psyche of all the people who live there.

Abandoned Bicycles of New York is a collection of photographs of – you guessed it – bicycles found lying around in various states of decay and repair. And it just captures the place so well.

Bonus: The Bianca Story – Paper Piano (Cryptonites Remix) (listen).

Also check out Cryptonites new video for ‘Zodiac’.

Fixed part two.

[Credit]

Since my last post a little while ago about my growing obsession with fixed gear riding, I’ve been checking the fixed gear gallery like every day observing the many forms a fixed can take. A couple of days back I spotted this guy’s bike described as an ‘fbm sword‘. For those who don’t know, fbm are a scene-defining brand in the BMX world, known for very good frames and Steve Crandall’s tatts.

Well, now they make fixed gear frames: fbm fixed.

I think this is an awesome combination. For the last seven years, BMX bikes have been getting lighter, sleeker and — frankly — better. Fixed gear riding calls for a very basic, strong and well-built frame. Additionally, both styles of riding have developed the same/similar kind of sub-culture, as far as I can see. Fixed and BMX are in many ways a perfect compliment, both giving the rider a unique sensation on whatever terrain is ridden. But they serve different purposes, so it makes sense that BMX riders would turn to a fixed on the street.

Oh, and Volume did a limited edition fixed as well.

Fixed.

I’ve been obsessed with fixed-gear bikes and culture for a little while now. It’s really starting to take off (perhaps a little too much some would say) in Melbourne, plus it’s a global thing — fixed-gear aficionados can be found in almost every city in the world.

For the unitiated, a fixed-gear bike is simply a ‘track bike’ slightly adapted for use on the road. So it’s super-light, very simple in design and geometry and features a fixed rear wheel (no freewheel) and no brakes. Variations include the addition of a front brake and/or a rear wheel which has a freewheel on one side and a fixed gear on the other (flip-flop).

I guess it’s something which started among bicycle messengers in major cities who wanted the direct feel of track cycling, the control of a fixed rear wheel and the agility of a velodrome bike. Plus, like any culture, it gives the rider ‘underground rebel’ status. Riding without brakes is technically illegal, it’s very hard, and if your bike ever gets stolen from out front of your latest delivery you’ll know where to find the guy — plastered to the nearest pole.

Like every subculture, fixed-gear has its discontents. Some road-cyclists don’t like sharing the road with people not running brakes, and it probably annoys them that fixed-gear bikes are much cheaper than their $3000 steeds. That said, I think cycling in general will benefit from the exposure the inevitable explosion of fixed-gear culture will provide. Riders are generally more individualist, not necessarily wearing jerseys in team colours or sporting the latest carbon-fiber thingo, and this likely appeals to would-be riders who eschew the cliched ‘Beach Road clique’.

It appeals to me because of the simplicity of the bikes and feeling of being truly connected with the road. Though I’m a trainspotter at this stage (no bike), I hope to join the club soon.

Cool sites: fixed.org.au :: Shifter Bikes :: Singletracking :: Mission Bicycles :: Allegro Bikes.