Is There a Fomula to Setting Up and Organizing a Critical Manners' Ride?

[IronMac]

Hi all,

I live in Toronto and the local Critical Mass ride finally did
something that's pushed me into more than just not joining them on
their rides. I've always felt uncomfortable with CM because its
actions disrespected traffic laws and the rights of other road users.
Last night, they went a bit too far and rode up onto a highway.

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/434806

I've decided that this is sort of my "not in my name" moment and did a
bit of Google searching and came across Critical Manners and want to
do something similar in Toronto. Is there any sort of pointer sheet as
to how to go about it or should I simply read through all of the posts
in this Group? Thanks!

IM.

[Critical...@gmail.com]

I'd love to see you start a Critical Manners in Toronto! The only
rules, really, are to abide by the local laws and to share the road.
Sometimes we ride two abreast, sometimes single file in bike lanes. I
started this group with a mere three riders (myself included), posted
announcements on cycling boards and posted some fliers in bike shops.
Please let me know how it goes for you.

Also, FYI, there are critical manners rides in Seattle (called ride
civil there), in Indianapolis, Central Arkansas, and I believe in
South Carolina as well. Not bad for a ride I started in December of
2006!

Best regards,
Reama

[jt]

New York here--yes, you read that right. So does this mean I have
permission to use the name "Critical Manners" to form my own ride or
do I at least have to agree to your points below. No requirement that
I run this past the police first or anything?

Are there jerseys? A logo?

When we drink from our water bottles, is it pinkies out? How about
when we pull the brakes?

[Reama]

You may totally use the "Critical Manners" moniker. Try to be polite
out there, basically. Follow the traffic laws, assert your right to
the lane politely, and enjoy. No pinkies in the air or police
notification required.