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.

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.