Posts from — July 2009

Is Critical Mass an organized harassment campaign against motorists? Or just a scheduled group ride that is getting unmanageably large? Or is it a peaceful celebration by people with sincere interests in promoting health, community and sustainability?

An e-mail from SFU psychology professor and cyclist Michael Schmitt offers this insight based on his research, an ethnographic study of Critical Mass that began three months ago and is ongoing:

“I share your concerns about the rising antagonism between cyclists and car drivers, and for unsafe driving practices by each.

“On the whole I think we all try to be safe on the road, but for sure some cyclists and motorists are careless.  Of course, when it is motorists who are careless, the consequences are more injurious and too often deadly.

“I also share your concerns about the safety issues surrounding Critical Mass. Fortunately, many Critical Mass regulars are working very hard to encourage participating cyclists to behave in a peaceful and safe manner.

“You should know that Critical Mass in Vancouver has no organizers.  There have been a number of individuals who have worked to promote the ride and shape its culture, but these are only participants acting of their own free will.  There is no Critical Mass organization in Vancouver, only participants. [Read more →]

Here, for those who like statistical analysis, the first numbers from Burrard Bridge traffic counts, showing cycling trips up 30 percent, traffic and pedestrian crossings mostly unchanged.

Yesterday’s VPD plea to motorists to evacuate the downtown core in the face of the Critical Mass bike ride — as if they needed urging on a hot Friday night — has provided a welcome new “critical mess” story line for media hounds to bay at.

But the outcry is no surprise to those in close touch with the mood of drivers and cyclists.

Friction is growing between drivers and cyclists. It can boil over at events like the Critical Mass ride, which is growing much faster than its organizers can manage. Last month’s massive 1,000-cycle ride nearly triggered fisticuffs between fuming drivers and a handful of taunting cyclists trailing the main pack.

The risk that poses to improved cycling in the city was clear at a meeting I facilitated Tuesday at City Hall with the assistance of Kari Hewett, chair of the city’s Bicycle Advisory Committee. It was attended by eight cycling advocates, including two from the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition, and representatives of VPD, ICBC and city Engineering.

[Read more →]

Although barely five weeks old, the city’s  Short Term Incentives for Rental (STIR) program, a key part of Vision  Vancouver’s drive to generate more affordable and rental housing,  is already producing results. 

Almost 1,000 new rental units may be generated if all current inquiries under the program — designed to add to the city’s rental housing stock and stimulate development during the current downturn — are completed as proposed.

This update from planner Doug Robinson indicates about 50 market rental units already have development approval.