Third Annual Critical Mass Bike in Nelson Rides Again
By Contributor
Local environmentalists and bike riders are taking to the streets for the 3rd Annual Critical Mass Ride in Nelson, on Saturday May 7th.
Once again, the theme much-loved by cyclists everywhere is “For a clean energy future”.
“Self-propelled transportation is going to get bigger and bigger as we work to cut down climate change,” says Keith Wiley, one of the organizers. “Nelson’s a great size to get around anywhere fast on your bike,” he says. “But the hills can really test you,” he admitted.
The ride this year coincides with the international mobilization “Break-Free from Fossil Fuels” (www.breakfree2016.org). In Canada the largest action will be around the Kinder Morgan tar sands pipeline terminal in Burnaby on May 13 and 14th.
“We can do our part here in the Kootenays to boost the international push to reduce carbon emissions,” said organizer Margaret-Anne Murphy.
Nelson riders are meeting in front of the Nelson Civic Theatre again, at 719 Vernon Street and will go down Baker Street, but then loop back to Vernon, then High Street then on to Lakeside Park. The route is chosen for safety to avoid heavy traffic areas.
At Lakeside Park there will be refreshments, music and a chance to talk together about what we can do now to encourage cycling and work for a clean energy future.
The ride is also starting a little later, at 2 pm, so everyone can have time to go to the Nelson Gardenfest which is also taking place that day.
“It’s not just climate change,” says another organizer Madelyn MacKay. “We are riding for a new world, one where we respect the sovereignty of First Nations, and live more in harmony with the living planet.
“Many of us are also concerned about fracking, about LNG, the proposed plant at Lelu Island and the Site C Dam project.”
“These are all connected,” MacKay adds.
The following week, it’s the Bikes Not Pipes rides the Kootenay Loop.
The Kootenay Loops ride begins Noon, Thursday, May 12 at Nelson City Hall.
The tour rides to Winlaw Thurwday, Silverton Friday, Kaslo Sunday and back to Nelson Monday.
Saturday, May 14 some riders are attending Writers’ Convergence in Silverton Memorial Hall.
Riders can ride along as much or as little as would like.
