Washington DC (AP) - The American Automobile Association announced
that last year's coordinated protest against cyclists and pedestrians
was a smashing success. During 2007, drivers engaged in a "Critical
Mass" event for cars, making their presence known on virtually every
public road in the United States. They formed long
queues during critical peak travel hours on major urban highways,
delaying commuters and commercial vehicles. They defiantly took up the
entire width of right, center, and left lanes, leaving no room for
others who might try to use these "cars first" areas.
They drove across crosswalks, many containing pedestrians, without
stopping or yielding. They turned right on red and often went
straight on red, drove on highway shoulders and in bike lanes, backed
into front-in-only parking spots, and otherwise engaged in acts of
civil disobedience. In a choreographed protest, 70% of drivers drove
at 10 to 15 mph over the posted speed limit to highlight their
strength and power. Drivers expressed their anger at cyclists by
honking, yelling, and gesturing at them whenever they encountered them
on public roads, especially those wearing objectionable lycra.
In a prepared statement, AAA declared the protest very successful,
saying "We'll try it again next year. We see no reason why this can't
be an annual, January to December event."
Happy 4/1 to everyone!
SAN FRANCISCO 
