Nottingham Critical Mass Bike About in the city [November CM] Pictures 1


Critcal Mass is a regular event. The meeting point in Nottingham is the Savoy cinema on Derby Road in Lenton, on the last Friday of every month now at 5.30pm.

It is becoming a more popular event with many more riders turning out each time .....

This time, we headed off into the city centre, via 'The Park' [to annoy the rich folks living there :-) ] and Castle Boulevard. We had a sound system trailer on tow, with some chunes to peddle to. Some motorist were a little annoyed with us, bumpers touching back wheels a couple of times, a couple of cars trying to roar through our band, overtaking with wheel spins etc. and a few rude remarks and gestures. So, not much new there then.

Anyway, we took a random route around and about in the city, taking in such features as the Castle, MacDonalds, and a peddle through the inside of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre :-))))

So, if you want to draw attention to transport policy, issues around climate change, health and fitness, pollution and the fact that cars keep injuring cyclists ...... Then please join in.

As a photographer, I've covered this and many similar direct-action events in a 'documentary style'. This time, I thought I would come over all 'arty' and this time present the event in an 'impressionistic style'. Street light colour, long shutter speeds [1/4 - 3/4 sec], giving a feeling of energy, vibrancy, colour and action. An event that is fun to be at, in fact.

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What's it all about?

Critical Mass is often described as an 'unorganised coincidence'. It happens when a lot of cyclists happen to be in the same place at the same time and decide to cycle the same way together for a while.

What's the purpose?

"Everyday, all over the world, people are resisting the problem culture of the car by getting on their bikes and riding, instead of driving.

Critical Mass is a celebration of the alternatives to cars, pollution, accidents and the loss of public spaces and freedoms.

Not an organisation or group, but an idea or tactic, Critical Mass allows people to reclaim cities with their bikes, just by getting together and out-numbering the cars on the road"

What happens on a Critical Mass?

Each one is different and they follow no set route, with the direction being spontaneously chosen as people cycle along. Anyone is free to join or leave the ride as it pedals along.

See also  http://www.critical-mass.org

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You can see more piccys of an earlier Critical Mass in Nottingham at:

 http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/10/326823.html

 http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/10/324826.html

 http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/04/310149.html

 http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305420.html

 http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305893.html

 http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2004/06/292966.html


and a Nottingham Indy feature about the whole shebang at:

 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2005/10/326823.html


and

Bicycle repair and support, at the ASBO Centre, check out:

 http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2005/10/325852.html


Please Note: "We are not blocking the traffic - We are Traffic!"

[ps. think I've mentioned this before, but some bastard has stolen my bike!]

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ALAN LODGE
Photographer - Media: One Eye on the Road. Nottingham. UK
Email:  tash@gn.apc.org
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Member of the National Union of Journalists [No: 014345]
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It is also necessary to light a lamp!!"
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