Archive for June 9th, 2009

A really cool event, the BFF was started by an guy in New York, Brent, who wanted to do something positive for bicycling following an unpleasant encounter with a bus while riding. He created the Bicycle Film Fest. The Bicycle Film Fest is a compilation of independently produced films having something to do with bicycles or cycling.

The first two hours of films featured a number of films that were artsy or humorous. While not an art lover, I enjoyed the first half of the BFF more than the second due to the artistic nature of the films. The second hour featured more fixed-gear, big-city dare devil riding. While interesting, this wasn’t as enjoyable as the first half. My favorite film was made by the Skiboys which was filmed sometime in the 70s from my understanding. Nice work Skiboys. I’d like a copy for my children to see.

One of the two guys I ride with regularly seemed quite upset about the content of the fixed-gear, big-city dare devil riding. He felt like the riders were acting extremely irresponsible and putting others in danger — they were riding through red lights at full speed causing cross traffic to come to a screeching halt. I can certainly understand his sentiments and I don’t feel this behavior is particularly helpful to the bicycle movement. However, I certainly can identify with the riders. I feel like they are expressing their discontent with having virtually no rights in a sea of undesirable vehicles. The undesirable vehicles enjoy all of the privileges the law affords while congesting the city, disregarding the rights of pedestrians and creating all types of noise and air pollution and subjecting non-undesirable vehicle users to all sorts of hazards. While I wouldn’t ride like the dare devils, I certainly can identify with their frustration at the current state of our transportation systems.

The second day of the BFF featured more film screenings and also a block party. I took my family to the block party the second day. It was very lightly attended. Partly because it was hot but mostly because this is the south. If you’re a southern male, if you drive anything other than a pickup truck, somethin’ just ain’t right.

My recommedation: If you have any interest in bikes whatsoever, go to this festival. It’s definitely worthwhile.

Here are some pictures a friend took of the activities:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2016064&id=56401088&l=e95329dacb