NYTimes reports on last nights Critical Mass--NYC
Three Arrested in Critical Mass Bike Ride
By THE NEW YORK TIMES
Published: March 31, 2007
Three people were arrested and almost 50 people given summonses last night in the first Critical Mass bicycle ride since the city adopted new controversial rules that limit the size of un-permitted rides, the police said.
Of the three people arrested, one was charged for disorderly conduct, one was charged with obstructing government administration and charges against a third person charge had yet to be determined last night, the police said.
Arrests from past monthly Critical Mass rides have numbered in the dozens.
The New York Police Department adopted the rules earlier this year that require parade permits for bicyclists and others who take to the streets in groups of 50 or more for processions, races and protests.
Meanwhile in LONDON...
At the start of last night's ride Des Kay, who originally took the Met police to court, reported on the progress of their appeal. He said it is not looking good as the police are using a high powered lawyer. The police want the ride to be treated as a regular public protest with a fixed route and organisers. Of course, cyclists are not going to stand for this and Des asked for discussions on possible strategies in the event of the appeal succeeding. The result of the appeal could be soon or take several weeks more.
Police are still warning riders with sound systems not to play them within the SOCPA zone and are asking for their names and addresses but take no action when this request is refused. They also video the sound system people.
By THE NEW YORK TIMES
Published: March 31, 2007
Three people were arrested and almost 50 people given summonses last night in the first Critical Mass bicycle ride since the city adopted new controversial rules that limit the size of un-permitted rides, the police said.
Of the three people arrested, one was charged for disorderly conduct, one was charged with obstructing government administration and charges against a third person charge had yet to be determined last night, the police said.
Arrests from past monthly Critical Mass rides have numbered in the dozens.
The New York Police Department adopted the rules earlier this year that require parade permits for bicyclists and others who take to the streets in groups of 50 or more for processions, races and protests.
Meanwhile in
At the start of last night's ride Des Kay, who originally took the Met police to court, reported on the progress of their appeal. He said it is not looking good as the police are using a high powered lawyer. The police want the ride to be treated as a regular public protest with a fixed route and organisers. Of course, cyclists are not going to stand for this and Des asked for discussions on possible strategies in the event of the appeal succeeding. The result of the appeal could be soon or take several weeks more.
Police are still warning riders with sound systems not to play them within the SOCPA zone and are asking for their names and addresses but take no action when this request is refused. They also video the sound system people.
posted by Michael Green at 6:15 AM
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4 Comments:
I still just don't get while riding bikes in a manner that breaks the law (as I've never seen a critical mass that stops for lights, pedestrians or cars) is NOT an activity that condones arrest or ticketing.
If you want to practice civil disobedience, you need to be prepared for the consequences of it.
Rides have been attempted where every one stops for lights, etc... It makes no difference to the NYPD.
I haven't done a critical mass yet. I'm looking forward to April. I'm in Chicago and is suppose it's easier here. I'm just starting to commute to work by bike and I like your blog. I put a link to it in mine!
"I've never seen a critical mass that stops for lights"
Wait wait, I'm very confused. Maybe it's different in other cities, but I've never been on a NY critical mass that runs every red.
In NY, in general we stop at every red, thought corking critical mass used to be considered to be (even by the police, who would help) good for traffic.
In my experience the police only ticket/arrest people stopped at reds, as bikes running reds and scattering are much more nimble than scooters.
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