[dc-critmass-list] CM is invisible to the public.

[docguch at juno.com]

Even though I have been announcing CM every Friday, I am a hypocrite for
not being there, but it isn't my fault.  I have class on Friday evenings
@ UDC from 5:30 PM till &7:30 PM.  There are many factors why
participation has dwindled.  Many of the participants were college
students and now they are on their summer break, back in their hometowns.
 I noticed the largest participation was on the time after the war
started, and the S.S.(MPD) went on their Blitzkerig against CM
participants, which scared away many more potential participants.  S.S.
District Commander Harold went on his Napoleon Syndrome--as if he had a
wild hare up his 855, threatening to arrest every CM participant if we
failed to ride by his totalitarian policy--I threatened to sue him(not
MPD or DC) if he arrested me.  The whether has chased away many potential
participants.  My situation, I have college class every friday evening. 
I will be back on the ride after class is over.

To do Critical Mass only once a month won't help.  If CM is only held
once a month, it would be inconvenience because I may have other
different commitments that one Friday.  Doing CM every Friday @ 6 PM
would help me because it would be more flexible for me.  The war isn't
over yet, and to do CM every Friday was to protest against Bush's
pro-automobile policies and his war to support his pro-automobile
policies.  There are still American troops waging war in Iraq.  Even
though all troops may pull out of Iraq, we will still be at war against
Big Oil, GM, inconsiderate car drivers, and bicycle unfriendly policies
in this country.  LETS CONTINUE RIDING EVERY FRIDAY!

Last Saturday, I went to DuPont Circle.  I saw more bicyclists @ Dupont
Circle, than I ever saw in any of our CM rides.  The bicyclist were there
for the Fifty State Ride.  I approached them to let them know about
Critical Mass, many of then heard about or rode CM in other cities around
the country, but none knew that CM existed in DC.  I let them know about
it, and passed out the flyers.  So that shows, why we have a low turnout,
it is because many in the Bicycling community don't know about CM's
existance in DC.  We also need to update the website to announce the ride
is every Friday.  Who owns the website??--I don't know.  I will do my
part and pass out more flyers.  I have made new flyers, and if anyone
need a copy, I am willing to forward a copy to you.  

Lets not become like the Fresno CA's CM  Only five people showed up, and
the participants allowed Fresno Police Department to put them in the
place.  That is why Fresno doesn't have a CM anymore.  Lets continue our
riding, and let people know of our rides.

David Yamaguchi

PS  Please yield to pedestrians and let the Metro Bus through when
riding.  
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