This is not an attempt to start a mud slinging or missile firing session but an expression of a concern.
Is cycling at risk of becoming a political tool? Last week in Manchester, an e-mail did the rounds.
Hi Nes,
You dont know me but my name is James Alden and Im the Green Party
Candidate for
Didsbury and i regularly cycle the Manchester Critical Mass.
On the 30th of June at 1:00pm (see attached flier) The Green Party,
Campaign
Against Climate Change, Manchester Samba band and Manchester African Drum
band are
all having a Carnival through the town centre to highlight the problem of
Climate
Change.
As part of the procession we are having a slow moving cycling
contingent. It would
be really great if you could post a plug for this on the Critical Mass
news letter
because the more cyclists that turn up the better, what do you think?
If you do post a plug check the attached flier for details of the
Carnival,
Cheers
James (Alden)
--
This request was not aimed at CTC but when we go out wih a CTC badge should we be aware of how the company we are in is being viewed and hence the CTC?
Are cyclists being seen as a political tool?
-
reohn2
.
-
mhara
Cyclists arent exempted from politics. If you dont like the said political party dont pass on the e-mail. If you do then think about joining the ride.
I would agree that anyone attending the event should think about whether they wear anything with the CTC logo on whilst doing so.
I fear it isnt possible to be apolitical, as to repress any political activity is in fact supporting the present system.
Dont worry too much as the event will hardly be attended and wont make the slightest difference to anything anyway.
I would agree that anyone attending the event should think about whether they wear anything with the CTC logo on whilst doing so.
I fear it isnt possible to be apolitical, as to repress any political activity is in fact supporting the present system.
Dont worry too much as the event will hardly be attended and wont make the slightest difference to anything anyway.
I believe that there is often a contingent that looks to hijack the London CM for their own various causes. These causes are often seen as left-wing or eco-left. But there again, Cameron has also used his bike to further his 'green' image. So it looks like all sides are in it to get what they can from it - just like all the other tools they employ!
But on the other hand, in Brum it would appear that the greens have an active role in promoting various cycling events (such as the small Brum CM) because they genuinly see cycling as a good thing.
And let's face it, cycling has been an economic tool for many years - I believe that there is a bit of an organised ride in London and the SE next weekend that might have gotten a bit of sponsorship
So, I believe that it is impossible for cycling not to be mixed up in politics, PR and economics - the best that we can hope for is to attempt to use this to our advantage. For instance, everyone wants to be green these days so use that to promote cycling by selling it as a green lifestyle choice.
But on the other hand, in Brum it would appear that the greens have an active role in promoting various cycling events (such as the small Brum CM) because they genuinly see cycling as a good thing.
And let's face it, cycling has been an economic tool for many years - I believe that there is a bit of an organised ride in London and the SE next weekend that might have gotten a bit of sponsorship
So, I believe that it is impossible for cycling not to be mixed up in politics, PR and economics - the best that we can hope for is to attempt to use this to our advantage. For instance, everyone wants to be green these days so use that to promote cycling by selling it as a green lifestyle choice.
-
reohn2
-
Mike Sutton
While I would seem to fit the slightly left field, greenish agenda of popular sterotype there's no doubt it's a serious limiting factor to cycling's development. Bike riding shouldn't be a political act and we'll know we've arrived when the right cycle too. I very much doubt if critical mass does our popular image any good but the CTC should sit round the table with any interested parties while remembering when you sup with the devil, take a long spoon.
-
montmorency
- Posts: 271
- Joined: 31 May 2007, 11:00pm
- Location: Oxfordshire
Well, with the likes of Boris Johnson, the Tory leader (I've forgotten his name already 
), and (possibly) Steve Norris at it, I'd say the Right is already cycling.
Actually, you could possibly argue that the Right is more amenable to cycling, since the latter is all about independence, self reliance, doing your own thing, and not wanting to be told what to do.
On the other hand, the Left want to bundle you into their collective public transport, and have you travel when they tell you when, and how, and jolly know what's good for you
The above is written tongue in cheek, but more seriously, cycling will always be political, as it is partly about use of resources.
Regards,
M.
), and (possibly) Steve Norris at it, I'd say the Right is already cycling.
Actually, you could possibly argue that the Right is more amenable to cycling, since the latter is all about independence, self reliance, doing your own thing, and not wanting to be told what to do.
On the other hand, the Left want to bundle you into their collective public transport, and have you travel when they tell you when, and how, and jolly know what's good for you
The above is written tongue in cheek, but more seriously, cycling will always be political, as it is partly about use of resources.
Regards,
M.
Monty's comments about cycling being to the right politically surprised me, as I had always thought cyclists were further to the left, with organisations like the National Clarion in the past, and the strong links between city cycle campaigns and Friends of the Earth, etc.
I think the Tories are more likely to care for their bank balances while Labour are more likely to provide a larger percentage of public funds to encourage, promote and protect cycling.
After all whether we like it or not, in this Country cycling is still seen by many to be the transport of the poor who cannot afford cars or motorbikes.
While I think this image is gradually being changed into promoting cyclists as being fitter, healthier, sexier people than the average motorist or pedestrian, I think we still have a long way to go.
Perhaps there is a Class division in cycling too, whereby the Middle Class have road bikes and the Working Class mountain bikes ?
Just a thought...
I think the Tories are more likely to care for their bank balances while Labour are more likely to provide a larger percentage of public funds to encourage, promote and protect cycling.
After all whether we like it or not, in this Country cycling is still seen by many to be the transport of the poor who cannot afford cars or motorbikes.
While I think this image is gradually being changed into promoting cyclists as being fitter, healthier, sexier people than the average motorist or pedestrian, I think we still have a long way to go.
Perhaps there is a Class division in cycling too, whereby the Middle Class have road bikes and the Working Class mountain bikes ?
Just a thought...
I have to agree with montmerency in this.
While you think left should be more bike friendly the right actually seem more likely to cycle. Famous cycling lefties anyone? Famous cycling righties, loads of em..... In fact thats back to politicians trying to use cycling for their own ends.
I think this is due to the freedom\countryside\efficiency themes of the british right. Lets face it, Britains most succesful environmentalist is old maggie thatcher milk snatcha.
The left should be green but arent. I think its cos theyre more interested in defeating poverty and inequality, which is obviously a good thing, but transport policies are loosely soviet.
Nb Have we read the response to the road death petition, http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page12256.asp
While you think left should be more bike friendly the right actually seem more likely to cycle. Famous cycling lefties anyone? Famous cycling righties, loads of em..... In fact thats back to politicians trying to use cycling for their own ends.
I think this is due to the freedom\countryside\efficiency themes of the british right. Lets face it, Britains most succesful environmentalist is old maggie thatcher milk snatcha.
The left should be green but arent. I think its cos theyre more interested in defeating poverty and inequality, which is obviously a good thing, but transport policies are loosely soviet.
Nb Have we read the response to the road death petition, http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page12256.asp
I hate snow.
-
reohn2
essexman wrote:......
I think this is due to the freedom\countryside\efficiency themes of the british right. Lets face it, Britains most succesful environmentalist is old maggie thatcher milk snatcha.
The left should be green but arent. I think its cos theyre more interested in defeating poverty and inequality, which is obviously a good thing, but transport policies are loosely soviet..........
Could you, err, run that by me again!
Maggie the enviromentalist, would that be the same Maggie that privatised public transport and left it in a complete shambles and privatised the utilites so her cronies could make a mint out of them?
Now if you'd have said Maggie who is mental I could have agreed with you.
You'll be telling me uncle Tony's the arch angel Gabriel next!
We think the in our hearts that the left should be able to resolve issues lets face it cycling will always be low priority to the nation, so the trick is to look for politicians who do cycle, because they have selfish motivations to make life better for cyclists.
In our current selection of dead beats, the tories have way more senior cyclists.
PS The reverse in Britians environmental degradation happened under Maggies watch, obviously the EU played a big part in that, but if you check back, maggie knew what she was doing here --> In the 80s, core tory votes were countryside and coastal. Everytime you see an otter thank Maggie.
PPS When i was 16 i thoight CM was 'sticking it to the Man', now i am the man i'm not so favourably inclined.
In our current selection of dead beats, the tories have way more senior cyclists.
PS The reverse in Britians environmental degradation happened under Maggies watch, obviously the EU played a big part in that, but if you check back, maggie knew what she was doing here --> In the 80s, core tory votes were countryside and coastal. Everytime you see an otter thank Maggie.
PPS When i was 16 i thoight CM was 'sticking it to the Man', now i am the man i'm not so favourably inclined.
I hate snow.