Spoke'n Dissent

From ibikeu Wiki

Spoke'n Dissent is an overtly political bicycle ride held monthly in Los Angeles. It is currently inactive.

Spoke'n Dissent began in February 2007 as part of that year's Bike Winter Los Angeles. Organizer Sexy, who had previously put on monthly anti-Iraq war rides, wished to bring back the spirit of those rides while broadening the political message. Thus, participants were encouraged to bring signs and bike-mounted flags bearing messages related to the Iraq war, or more general messages concerning peace, energy use, and global politics. A fairly unique and innovative element of the new ride was the use of a wireless microphone in conjunction with a public address system mounted on a bicycle trailer (and usually pulled by ride personality Big Bike Dan). As the ride passed through populated areas, Sexy and other participants would maintain a running commentary on issues of the day, often personalized for specific pedestrians and car drivers. Circumstances permitting, passers-by would also be asked questions and encouraged to use the microphone to air their own views.

The first Spoke'n Dissent rides met at 12:00 noon on the first Sunday of each month at the Hollywood/Vine Metro station. Due to construction at that station, the starting location was moved to the Santa Monica/Vermont Metro station beginning with the June 2007 ride. A few months later, the starting time was changed to 2:00 PM to encourage turnout.

Increasing personal obligations led Sexy to put the ride on hiatus in late 2007.