This stunt is stupid. While I’m a fan of Critical Mass bike rides, I only support it as it follows the law. Riding bikes and rollerblading(!) on the freeway only reinforces the idea that bicyclists die in traffic accidents because they engage in reckless bicycling. And as for this posing, is it necessary for bikers in Los Angeles to act like outlaws and anarchists to make the case that we need to find alternative transportation? Why is that these guys feel the need to alienate people rather than build coalitions? I don’t see how any of their activism is part of the solution.

breaking laws is american as apple pie. if laws were not broken, this country would not exist as would christianity and we’d still think the earth was flat. but, laws were broken and as a result, humanity moved forward(although the christianity bit is arguable). laws are laws until it is decided that they are no longer valid, relevant or beneficial. are you still in favor of prohibition?

there are many things that are against the law that people do every day, because one person’s law is another’s morass. laws tend to be beneficial for one group(the majority) and detrimental to the other(the minority). this is why the banal safety of law abiding democracy must occasionally take a back seat to direct action for a minority group to get a point across.

if they had decided to hold yet another pathetic little rally in front of city hall, no one would have given them a second thought? would you be addressing their concerns instead of their methods like you are now? doubtful. but because they decided to take matters into their own hands, everyone is listening and their point has been made.

this is fucking brilliant. those folks have serious balls. they have my attention, and apparently everyone else’s. more please.

These people are dangerous and stupid perhaps, but it’s stunts like these that shock people into realizing that the Los Angeles transportation infrastructure was built for cars, worships them, and has made it a really low priority to change things. The “car is king” culture in this city makes sure that only a minority of people use alternative methods of transit – either those who cannot drive cars or those do it out of altruism. I love this city, but I’m absolutely ashamed of our public transit and embarrassed at that sham we call “smart growth.” But maybe it takes guerrilla tactics like this to change people’s way of thinking so that we can have a real mass transit sooner than before our great grandchildren are born.

Wow. So glad I came back. As you correctly comprehended from the rest of my comment, YES, I am on your side! I was trying to explain how you guys might appear to the average schmuck upon first glance. I certainly take back the word stupid, but it IS dangerous, just like when I take to the bike lane on the streets of LA I consider that dangerous – because any car can kill you pretty easily if the rider f***s up. That being said, I hope if you can take the mean freeways of LA, then you can forgive someone for using a word as harsh as stupid. ;-)

Nancy (not your mother, Nancy)

I’ve maintained for a long time that it would be safer to ride on the 405 through the Sepulveda Pass than on Sepulveda. The “official” bike route (Sepulveda Blvd) has NO shoulder in most parts and the drivers speed by 12 inches(or less sometimes) away from you at up to 50 MPH. I’m not exaggerating. Whereas the 405 has 10 foot wide shoulders and traffic traveling at speeds between 15 and 35 MPH. If you really think about it, this is what is truly stupid!