Chicago Critical Mass protests car show

From the Chicago Tribune, 02.11.07:

Pedaling protest takes on car show
Bicyclists use satire to drive home point

Dressed as polar bears and Santa Claus and towing signs that read "True Patriots Don't Burn Oil" and "Be a Hero: Drive Less," a group of bicyclists gathered Saturday in front of McCormick Place to protest the Chicago Auto Show.

"We feel there are enough cars in Chicago," said Dan Korn, a lead organizer. "You can't get away from the sights, smells and sounds. And here comes the auto show glorifying it."

For 99 years, automakers have brought hundreds of their most modern cars, trucks, SUVs and other vehicles to the city for the show.

And for the last eight years, Critical Mass, a group of bicycling activists, has protested, saying there are too many autos on the streets already, Korn said... The protesters chanted `No thank you' about the products being marketed inside.

"We already have an auto show every day," Korn said. "Everywhere we go there is an auto show."(Read more.)

Yes, I'm a fan of Critical Mass. I'm also a big fan of the irreverant advocacy organization, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, which consistently reminds people that bicycling is fun. (As opposed to more sober advocacy groups, who emphasize safety only.) The creative minds at the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation were also behind the great Bob Fuller Roadside Memorials public service announcements.

Image: Web capture. Chicago Critical Mass.
Visit: Paul Dorn's Bike Commuting Tips Site