No self-respecting college town (or—let’s just say it—liberal oasis) can properly be without a core group of folks who are out there spreading the gospel of cooperative living and non-fossil-fuel transportation. It’d be like having no health food store. Meet your local ambassadors of the friendly fringe: Kassia Arbabi and Sky Blue.
The two are at the center of our city’s bike revolution, which manifests in Critical Mass rides (those gatherings of mischievous bikers who ride through town together and—oops!—just might block traffic in the process) as well as parking spot takeovers (in which Kassia, Sky and friends sit around with their bikes, musical instruments, food and games in what would otherwise just be the parking spot for yer gas-guzzlin’ Escalade). You can bet it’s a lot more fun to be on their team than to sit at a stoplight by yourself, cranking the A/C and bickering with your sister via text message.
So far, five takeovers have happened, and, as of press time, another was planned for August. Arbabi and Blue are also involved in trying to start a Charlottesville Urban Commune. Viva la revolucion!
