ecmc2009

Manifesto (in progress)

We are primarily a group of current and former bike messengers, but welcome all good-natured, socially aware cyclists to participate in our events. Though we share no common political ideology, we share values that define us as a distinct social group, naturally beginning
with our shared love of the bicycle.

We believe in equality; we do not differentiate between sex, nationality, race, gear ratios, or riding ability. Men and women race together.

We believe in sustainability. We support products and manufacturers based on product reliability and longevity. (Followed of course by aesthetics, if money permits.)

We love to push the physical and mental limitations of our bodies. We believe in the inherent health benefits of cycling frequently, and assist others in adopting the lifestyle of the urban cyclist by openly sharing our expertise.

We ride “just for fun”!

We champion the superiority of the bicycle as the all-around fastest form of urban transportation. We have legitimized the bicycle as an essential component for every modern package delivery business.

We question the necessity of a substantial portion of inner city auto traffic, but are realistic and strive to promote balance. We are not bike fascists! Many of us have mothers, friends, children and loved ones who are non-cyclists (though we will never give up on trying to convince them to get on a bike!) not to mention co-workers in the package delivery trade.

We rejoice in the possibilities that exist for emission-free motorized transport. We believe a revolution in urban transporation is self-evident and well underway. We believe the bicycle is a central feature of responsible modern urban planning.

We rage at the senseless deaths resulting from the opening of car doors before checking for
cyclists, and we mourn every victim of road rage. We strive to promote understanding between all road users.

We are proud that our home, Berlin, is a world leader in cycling policy and home to hundreds of thousands of daily bicycle commuters, bike paths and bike racks.

We believe the increasing worldwide phenomena of urban cycling began with the example set by the bike messenger. We view this phenomenom as a fundamental shift in consciousness that will continue to grow and increasingly affect society in a positive way, not only improving urban transportation policy.

We are proud to host the ECMC in our hometown Berlin, to showcase our committment to the international bike messenger culture, our love of the bicycle and the lifestyle that follows its daily use, and simply spreading the word that riding around the city with your friends or alone is FUN.

We welcome you to join us in celebrating the culture of the urban cyclist, chiefly its progenitor and most expert adherent, the bike messenger!

HOORAY FOR BIKE MESSENGERS!
VIVA LA BIKE-FRIENDLY CITY!
SUPPORT ECMC 2009!