Radical Bicycling, by Arash Afshar

TL;DR... I came up with the idea to start a monthly burner bike ride right around the same time as 50 other friends. Also, I immediately concluded I don't have the bandwidth to lead and coordinate. But I did jot these ideas down. Maybe this feels like something you wanna take on? -Arash, founder of burnerpodcast.com 

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​​It was twilight as I ride down Harbor Drive in San Diego. ​I'm in the Default World and wearing the universe leggings I’d historically reserved solely for the Burn. I’m listening to a DJ set by Jason Douglas and Nacho Isa, feeling the wind on my face, smelling sunscreen and a sensing euphoria in my belly as I watch all the lights of the city coming on. A car bumping reggae pulls up next to me at a red light and, with the way I’m feeling, it may as well be an art car. It’s obviously not Black Rock City, but I realize that I’ve somehow managed to integrate all my favorite parts of that Home energy to San Diego. It was heaven. I look around and think to myself: only thing that’s missing in this moment is more friends I can shout snarky comments at. 

Bicycling is a way we can connect with each other while easily continuing to respect the social distancing guidelines. I know you’re all missing Home. I miss it all year. Let’s bring that Black Rock City energy to the Default World. 

-Arash 
Host of Burner Podcast 

Here’s how to coordinate a Radical Bicycling event

80% bike ride
20% time may be spent taking a decommodified break. 
Local parks are a great option! What interesting places can you explore in your own hometown with new eyes?
Bonus points if you’re interacting with a new community or learning something new about your city. Pretend you’re at the burn and making stops at other camps, getting to know the members. 

K.I.S.S.
Keep it simple, silly. It's in our nature to complicate things and keep making our projects more elaborate. This is just a bike ride. Let's ride bikes. 

Strive to uphold the 10 Principals
Here's the link in case you need a refresher.
Perhaps you prefer a long rambling chat about it?

Pay extra attention to Civic Responsibility 
Respect laws of your region including all traffic laws. The Principal of Civic Responsibility states: We value civil society. Community members who organize events should assume responsibility for public welfare and endeavor to communicate civic responsibilities to participants. They must also assume responsibility for conducting events in accordance with local, state and federal laws.

Consent
Highly encouraging general social distancing guidelines. Our community has been preparing for Social Distancing for a while now by encouraging regular consent checkins. We're all in different places in regard to our comfort with physical touch, now more than ever. Make sure to regularly check in with the comfort levels of those around you. Wear masks and do your best to keep physical distance between yourself and other riders. 

The Principal of Radical Self-expression states: Radical self-expression arises from the unique gifts of the individual. No one other than the individual or a collaborating group can determine its content. It is offered as a gift to others. In this spirit, the giver should respect the rights and liberties of the recipient.

I'm encouraging the self hug. Will include a little video of what it looks like here. :)  

Pay extra attention to Radical Inclusion  
No agendas. No protests. Burning Man is magical because it is apolitical. Because we are Radically Inclusive.

This, of course, does not mean you have to take down your signs and personal statements! Because Radical Self-expression is still a thing. Maybe everything! But the only agenda the group of riders as a whole have is to feel like we're on a bike ride in Black Rock City in our own hometown. 

The sky (or your city's bike lane capacities) is the limit
A ride can be be five people or 50.  Every city has differing population of Burners. Don’t let that stop you! 
Encouraged, but not deal-breakers

Avoid Facebook 
Let's not doubt for a second that everyone’s invited to share in our community's adventures because Radical Inclusion. 

Feel free to post and share our adventures but try not to rely on Facebook alone to organize. Pickup the phone or send emails to all the camp leads in your city and have them communicate with their camps. Something, anything other than simply creating a Facebook event.

​First Fridays
​It might not work for you in your city or you might have life scheduling restrictions, but how cool would it be if we all knew that around the world, on the first Friday of each month, our community is gathering for a ride in their city? 

Dress fun and silly 
​Because I know this is the question that always comes up... Sure. Wear tutus. I like my pink leggings best when I ride regardless of who's around. It is a physically active event so I personally lean towards efficiency with some fun pizazz. But you do you, boo!