I hope local bike riders will "just say no" to "Critical Mass."

I ride a bike for local transportation, about 50,000 miles worth
during my 25 years in Cache Valley.  I have said many times in
private and public forums that I have no particular difficulties
with the road network or my fellow road users (mostly motorists) as
I pedal.

"Critical Mass" originated and has spread among the larger cities
of the world as an unsponsored protest by local cyclists.  The name
comes from the notion that there is some minimum group size or
"critical mass" required for cyclists to be able to obtain their
right to use the road.  I have found that minimum group size to be
"one" in Cache Valley.

In various localities, CMs protest restrictions against cycling, or
injustices against individual cyclists.  Some CMs protest the sheer
number of autos, or the widespread reliance upon them at the
expense of public and environmental health.  Some CMs protest the
authority of government and the police force.  Some CMs celebrate
anarchy.  Some CMs are just big parties in the public right-of-way.

I can't picture a CM event in Logan doing me anything but harm as
I continue to use my bicycle for local transportation.  What impact
can CM have on the motoring public other than to create antagonism
in motorists for anyone on a bike?  

Do cyclists need to protest for safer riding conditions in Cache
Valley?  No, we have excellent riding conditions on our existing
streets, under the existing rules of the road.  People who want to
ride a bike, but believe conditions are too dangerous, need
education, not a protest opportunity.  

Cache Valley has a host of long-time transportation cyclists who
are living proof that it is safe enough to ride a bike to get where
you are going.  The League of American Bicyclists offers its
"Effective Cycling" training program to give bike riders the
information and skills to use a bike safely and effectively for
local transportation.  If you are interested in training for adults
or children, contact me.

I encourage those considering CM not to create a situation where I
will be compelled to give up getting around on my bike because of
some new hostility against cyclists.  Don't deny me the health
benefits of my rides, or the engine I don't ruin with cold-start,
short trips.  Don't deny me the savings for parking at work or the
gas stations I pedal by without stopping.  Don't deny me one more
way to have a low impact on the community I choose to live in.

Bob Bayn  797-2396
North Logan