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we've been oin critical mass rides here for a year and a half almost now, but most of the time we have less than 10 people show up. Its a very un-bike-friendly community, and the bike shops i have approached won't put up a flier for us, because, well, it seems they all think critical mass is too "radical" as their main buisness is to sell bikes so that people can strap them to their SUV's so that they look like theyre cool i guess.
(also, Chicago is near by and their Mass rides have gotten big enough that they are a force to be reckoned with, taking over interstates and all {!} and that is the only example of a CM ride they know i think... )
The biggest one we had was 20 people, one of whom was a reporter for the local NPR station who did a spot on the radio news about us, but unfortunately I think 99% of NPR's listeners in this area are too arthritic to get on a bike. on that ride, also, 4 of the riders were under the age of 15.
I mean, for being a city of about 180,000 we're not doin THAT bad, but i'd like to see it get much bigger (of course). Anyone have any experiance in the earlier stages of getting this off the ground in their community?
(also, Chicago is near by and their Mass rides have gotten big enough that they are a force to be reckoned with, taking over interstates and all {!} and that is the only example of a CM ride they know i think... )
The biggest one we had was 20 people, one of whom was a reporter for the local NPR station who did a spot on the radio news about us, but unfortunately I think 99% of NPR's listeners in this area are too arthritic to get on a bike. on that ride, also, 4 of the riders were under the age of 15.
I mean, for being a city of about 180,000 we're not doin THAT bad, but i'd like to see it get much bigger (of course). Anyone have any experiance in the earlier stages of getting this off the ground in their community?
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here in Toronto, a city of about 4-5 million people, we get the same 25-50 people out every month...it never grows...try posting on indymedia or other activist boards...but dont just preach to the converted...poster everywhere, not just bike shops...maybe ill follow my own advice
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posting all over and in any bathroom too. post at any college and university and nightcubs. the online thing should help, maybe do a ride to benefit some organisation or you could do a critical mass blood donation drive, that would probably get more people out and get the media (especially college radio stations, 'cause that is more of the crowd you are trying to reach) to notice that its for a good cause, that will make you alot more agreeable in the eyes of the public and that can only help! good luck!
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I had the pleasure of riding in my first To. mass the other day. It was cold, but at least there was no snow! I was one of 8 people who turned up. As I was visiting, the local mass regulars gave me a warm welcome, and we debriefed at some length in the Library Pub at the end of the ride. Unlike SF, Toronto did recently elect a leftish mayor recently, so it should be pretty what happens there on a number of fronts.
I just love that the meeting place for the ride is on Temperance St.! A bar that was closing early on Boxing Day stayed open to sell the gathering riders quick brewskies for the road.
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> the bike shops i have approached won't put up a flier for us,
don't ask. just post nearby - say, on street posts that will catch eyes on the way in or out. To deal with skittish uninformed attitudes, you might also include (on flyers or website) some of the outwardly successful history (creating safer streets by changing laws, lane designations, etc) and mention the widespread established fun rides (major cities all over the world)..
remember, critical mass means building energy till it reaches critical and can't be contained. this can take a little time, for the idea to percolate through enough minds..
starting groups can get a boost from established ones by designating a special occasion to encourage folks from the established one to go over and be with the new one, lend it some energy & mass..
could declare a party or rally at the beginning (or end) of a ride, inviting neighboring massers as well as putting it out to the local community. it would be an educational introductory event for locals, with experienced massers helping to set the tone. put the word out, I'm betting some hardcores will come forward to support.. some folks will come a *long* way to support - or just happen to be in town at the right time. you never know.. -
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lots of good advice. I ride the SF and berkeley, CA masses one I love cuz its huge, the other cuz its small and intimate.
You could always make little quater page flyer and attach them to parked bikes and bike parking spots. Also, berkeley had an after party one mass that rocked: firespinning in the back yard, a keg of microbrew (ask for donations)radical cheerleaders and a band in the living room. The best part was that Massers are very interesting people to talk to. Consider doing a bike slide show or haveing a destination to end up at.
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You need to envision who and what you want to attract - looking for scruffy bike messengers - then think where they hang out and gather
I also value collecting alternative calender listings - online and print - give them free digital photos and a listing (on deadline) so they can list the event.
I also would up the ante on your propaganda - ensure newbies know what to expect and where it is - also try to make eye-candy posters that stand out from the corporate crap that is everywhere else - remember FREE is still a great price and include bike artwork.
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