Gin Kilgore takes on The Suburban Cyclist tonight at 7 on WTTW

Chicago Critical Mass and Bike Winter stalwart, and all-around righteous dame Gin Kilgore will mop the floor in a debate with The Suburban Cyclist this evening at 7 on WTTW's Chicago Tonight talk show on channel 11:


Check out this The Suburban Cyclist's recent, extremely long rant against Chicago Critical Mass: http://www.chicagonow.com/urban-cyclist/2011/09/critical-massholes-...
Boy, I wouldn't know where to start setting this guy straight.
 

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Permalink Reply by Gort 12-mile Pinklegneep on September 29, 2011 at 4:55pm
I'm pretty sure nobody involved in CCM formally did anything, Daley just kind of took a shine to it because he was a bit bike silly and had a boner for making the city more european or whatever, hence the city support.

Duppie said:

Shifty Face kept on bringing up the issue that police escorts Critical Mass and that the city cannot afford that.

Question: Did anyone involved in CCM invite or formally request those cops? Or do they show up because it is good policy (an ounce of prevention etc.)? In the latter case Shifty Face is barking up the wrong tree. He should take his complaints to mayor Emanuel.

Permalink Reply by Gort 12-mile Pinklegneep on September 29, 2011 at 5:08pm
Well dang, Knowledge Is Power. I had just assumed he had something to do with it because he'd make a bunch of noise about how pro-biking he was on the regular.

CCM_Friday!!! said:

To what-- Critical Mass?


I would not say Daley took a shine to it . . . there is an unconfirmed story that someone integral in the early CM scene put out a parody press release purporting to be from the city which quoted Daley as saying "fuck cars."  As reported by his events gal (fortunately long gone) Daley was made aware of it and he was furious about it and it was the reason anything that could be construed as remotely connected to CCM was banned from Bike to Work day rally participation.

Permalink Reply by Gort 12-mile Pinklegneep on September 29, 2011 at 5:11pm

Cool tee-vee words, Gin. Particularly bringing up the whole fact about "people who live in the city understand there is stuff in it" and some fact-drops regarding the CM safety record 

 

And Man, Blurbin Cyclist really looked out of place in a room full of grownups with coherent thoughts.

Permalink Reply by Davo on September 29, 2011 at 5:22pm

It seemed to me the only reason the "urban cyclist" went on the show is to promote his book. He seemed to realize that in his nasty blog he may have alienated a large group of potential buyets so he toned it down. I may be a little biased (sp) though. Great job Gin and Eathen, also thanks for posting the link Howard.

 

I've only scanned steve's book online, but the few pages I have read makes the book seem a little over worked for a "survival" guide.

Permalink Reply by Dottie on September 29, 2011 at 5:23pm
Great job, Gin!  I thought the segment was positive about the Mass, overall.  I wrote a quick post about it here.
Permalink Reply by Dan Ciskey on September 30, 2011 at 2:00am

I'm not at all a fan of Critical Mass, but I think Gin acquitted herself well and made good points while what's-his-face came off as angry and made no good points.

 

The segment definitely got me thinking; well done!

Permalink Reply by Scotto 6.8 on September 30, 2011 at 2:28am
Review the Author via his book on Amazon!
Permalink Reply by Tim on September 30, 2011 at 3:03am
It would be nice if some of these Chicago Critical Asses would at least try one of the CCM outings before writing books about it and spreading the typical hate.
Permalink Reply by Carter O'Brien on September 30, 2011 at 3:20am

I've never been to a Critical Mass either, but I also thought Gin did an excellent job & I am definitely going to give one of these a shot in the near future.  My observations/suggestions as someone who does drive as well as cycle would be to avoid comparisons to a funeral train, that is definitely going to alienate people - the points regarding marathons, parades, other routine street closures, etc. are dead on. 

 

And the only point I agreed with Captain Capitalism on is that he's certainly right about road rage.  Some drivers definitely get a chip on their shoulder regarding CM. 

 

Of course, you have to put that in context (as Gin did) as drivers constantly get stuck in gridlock and I think other drivers are responsible for 95% of the road rage out there, and it has absolutely nothing to do with cyclists whatsoever and everything to do with just too many cars.  But it would be helpful if the City could provide some formal recognition WITHOUT going the idiotic route of charging money or privatizing it or whatever that guy was talking about.  So what if a few police are out there helping with traffic flow?  That's their job!

Permalink Reply by Liz on September 30, 2011 at 3:27am

http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2011/09/29/critical-mass-urban-cycling

 

Great job Gin,  its too bad they didn't let you respond to some of the questions.  I think you did an amazing job staying cool, collected and presenting yourself and critical mass as a positive and open event. 

 

One great point on the "paying for the police presence": we pay for police presence all over the city because cyclists also pay taxes.  Police go where there is likely need for them. Critical mass is a high need situation.  Tax payers also pay for police to direct areas of heavy traffic, maybe drivers in those areas should pay a fee. 

Permalink Reply by J M on September 30, 2011 at 3:44am
Great job Gin and Ethan!
Permalink Reply by Liz on September 30, 2011 at 3:46am

I also want to commend Ethan for representing Active trans well.  

 

Getting involved in a local chapter of toastmasters could help all of us present cycling in the best light at any public event. 

 

http://www.toastmasters.org/tips.asp

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