Jerry Hinnefeld
Henry Scott
judithrobert
Jeff Nixa
memooney
Adam Bee
bspitzer
Nate Barnett
Paul Taylor
Danny Graber
lhierony
Phil G-E
petercolan
Jim Moffitt
Judy Lee
2wheelpeddler
dickkuehl
nimbabike
Michiana’s First Courteous Mass
Posted by Henry Scott on September 27, 2008
Michiana had its first “Courteous Mass” last night (9/26), and it was a lot of fun! The turnout was perfect for a trial run: not so many that it was unmanageable, but enough that it had a good group feel. All told we had nine riders, several of whom I had not previously met. Definitely a great group of folks!
We started and ended at Leeper Park and rode just shy of four miles through downtown streets; the furthest we made it from Leeper Park was the Coveleski Stadium. I’m pleased to say that we did not have any adversarial encounters with motorists (as intended for courteous mass!).
With the days getting shorter I’m not sure if we’ll be able to do this again next month, but I definitely look forward to the next installment. Stay tuned!
The inaugural group (minus yours truly) just before the ride
Jeff Nixa said
Very good! Reminds me of a comment by Danny Graber, after his Bike Safety class hit the city streets last week in their day-glo jackets, proper riding, etc. “Drivers actually slowed down for us, gave us room, no one honked.”
Paul Taylor said
It was fun – I met a lot of folks I didn’t know, and a couple I knew by name only. I’ll plan on doing the next one. Since I have good lights, I would be willing to ride after dark.
Adam Bee said
Yeah, maybe future rides may have to be moved up to 5:30 or 5? I wonder how other cities deal with earlier sunsets–do they ride at night?
It certainly was a very promising beginning. It seems like something where we’ll have to learn as we go and consciously readjust over time. I’d say the biggest challenge that faced us this time was figuring out how to deal with stoplights, but I’m confident we can come up with solutions going forward!
Rob Botham said
I very much enjoyed this courteous mass–I will definitely attend in the future! If we have to move it up a half hour or an hour would be okay by me, but, like Paul, I can ride in the dark. It is a streetlighted city for the most part.
Jim Moffitt said
I really enjoyed it, it was great fun, no traffic laws were broken, and traffic was not impeded in any way. I believe the strength of our country is owed much to our vast system of roads and public right-of-ways. Utilizing them in a responsible way helps make it possible for all to enjoy freedom and liberty…
Paul Taylor said
Jim. That’s pretty impressive, and bears repeating:
“I believe the strength of our country is owed much to our vast system of roads and public right-of-ways. Utilizing them in a responsible way helps make it possible for all to enjoy freedom and liberty…”