Car Free Day Cork, plus photos

cork | rights, freedoms and repression | news report Wednesday September 22, 2004 23:08 by Woz

Despite token state support, the people of Cork, especially the cyclists, saved CFD …

Not bad overall.
OK first the usual story of token state support …
As far as I could tell only Patrick St was closed to motor vehicles. City dignitaries hired a bus for the demanding 500 yds from City Hall to Pana. And then delivered speeches reneging on pedestrianisation of same. This last assertion is alleged, but by a reliable source. I didn’t witness it.
But the people of Cork, especially the cyclists, saved CFD …
Firstly the morning bike ride, courtesy of Cork Environmental Forum, wiggling its merry way around and through the city centre. Thanks CEF, and thanks for the t-shirt I will treasure it.
Followed swiftly by the Bike Doctor, soothing the squeaks and clanks of many a bicycle. Dozens of patients and there was not one that the Cork Cycling Campaign’s trusty mechanics could not fix.
Then Hothouse Flowers plus others on the stage on Patrick Street throughout the afternoon – OK fair play to council for that one.
Then at six Critical Mass blossomed into being, twenty or so cyclists attracting some cheers and some blaring horns. And bravo the anonymous pedestrian who joined us and jogged whooping the length of McCurtain Street.
It became clear to me today that we cannot rely on the state to make car free day what we want it to be, or even to happen. Any fun or real action has to come from the people, from the community. We’ve got a year until the next one. Let’s get our heads together well in advance, get grassroots groups doing vibrant stuff on the streets all day.
Our cities ... our streets … our choice.