Critical Massers's topics - tribe.net

Critical Mass NYC?

Maren — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:04:35 GMT

Is there still critical mass in NYC? It's still warm....where can I find info about when people are riding?

maren

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Help us start CM in St. Pete FL

RegicidalManiac — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 07:58:01 GMT

hi. some of us in st. petersburg, fl are trying to start a critical mass, but we never have more than 9 people at a ride. we put out fliers and announce on myspace. does anyone have some suggestions for how to get people to show up?

open to any advice, we'd really like to have a real mass.

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Buy Nothing Day Bike Ride through Bay Street [East SF Bay, Emeryville]!

enola — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 02:13:36 GMT

We are having a special Critical Mass this Friday, November 23rd. There is no other Critical Mass scheduled for that day because there are five Fridays in November. It's the day after Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Hey, come celebrate Buy Nothing Day on your bike! We'll target Bay St/Shellmound in Emeryville where thousands of bargain hunters will gather to buy their wives sexy lingerie and their parents gift certificates at a disgusting shopping center built on an Ohlone burial ground. At least they named it Shellmound in honor of that. Ahhh!

Meet us at FOUR O'CLOCK PM [4PM! 4:00PM!] at the MacArthur BART station and we'll leave shortly after that. Please tell all of your friends! Please build or borrow a bike if you don't have one! Bring signs and snacks and anything else ever.

Hooray!

Seriously, come to this thing. It will be great!

4PM, NOV. 23, MacArthur BART!

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

LA critical mass (through the eyes of a NY'er)

diazo — Tue, 01 May 2007 00:17:37 GMT

i took a week-long vacation in CA and participated in the last LA critical mass (downtown by the western/wilshire metro stop)... wanting to compare it to the NY (police-ridden) experience.

i would say there were maybe 50-60 people there, under 100, but a definite crowd. everyone seemed to have good quality expensive road bikes. the cars did not honk (except for one). they just came to a peaceful stop. remarkably inoffensive. the crowd lacked the community spirit and positive electricity of the NY critical mass cyclists. the energy was more aggressive, every man for himself kind of thing.

the ride did not stick together very well at all. the group i was in dwindled but we met up with the rest at another spot (after some back and forth confusion), where a drag race occurred.

there was a midnight ridazz happening later in the evening, but unfortunately i was too tired to attend. i KNOW that would have been the thing to participate in, as i hear that sometime 1,000 or more participate. they were dressed up in ska black and white.

posted in Critical Massers - 4 replies

where can i get me a bike in San Francisco?

winterbamboo — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 02:38:47 GMT

Greetings massers!
My friend and i are going to rendezvous in SF
and I would to do the critical mass while we're there.
does anyone know of a bike rental place?

please, thank you and cookie cutters,

michelle

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Invitation to our monthly meeting: Los Angeles Mycological Society FREE Dont miss out!

David — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:34:24 GMT

Monday Oct. 15th 8:00 PM
The Los Angeles Mycological Society (LAMS) October meeting
Times Mirror Room.
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles.

"Survival Skills, Eating Mushrooms and Wild Plants" How nature will always provide if you only knew what is being served! Come learn how to ID what is edible and meet our guest speaker Christopher Nyerges, Author, mycologist, ethnobotanist, educator and Survival expert The Natural History Museum LA County in the Times Mirror Room
Refreshments will be provided. Bring your recent mushroom finds!
for more information: www.lamushrooms.org
or call David Kahn: 323 667 1330

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

So

whitneye — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:34:15 GMT

I just moved down to Alberquerque and wanted to know where the critical massers where around here if any at all? I haven't really heard anything. Peach
whitneye

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Official Guide to Critically Single!

Coreyfro — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 16:04:49 GMT

Hello all, and welcome to the final draft of the "Critically Single" event info as it will be seen in the "What, Where, When."

The guide and rules are posted below the What, Where, When entry.

Critically Single : Speed Dating On Wheels! Detail
Description: Nothing is sadder than a tandem bicycle with one rider or a solitary bike crossing the playa. Join our Critical Mass inspired, speed dating/ art tour starting from Snowflake Village (the speed dating experts!) Get to know each other as we ride between installations, enjoy them together, switch partners, and ride to the next. If we have any stragglers after the event, we will bar crawl, on bikes, in mass, until you are no longer single, or until I pass out drunk and crash!
Date: Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Duration: 120 minutes
Category: Parades
Eco/Green Event?: Yes
Hosted by/Camp Name: Snowflake Village

Here is the scoop on how Critically Single will be run:

* As fast as people come in on their bikes, you will be assembled into teams of 8, four M and four F.
* You will then be sent out to tour 3 nearby Playa art installations
* You will talk to a different person on each leg of the journey
* You will impress each other with your enlightened perspective on the art pieces (you lucky people on the way back will get to talk about your favorites, instead!)
* By the time you get back 20 minutes later, each F has chatted up each M and vice versa.

*** Then you play the game! ***
Secret voting on a gameboard; the Red Pin of Passion for the one you are super hot for, and the White Pin of " sure... I'd date them". You can play both pins, one pin, or no pins.

We match people who choose each other. Winners get a prize packet and a blessing from the Snowflake Scepter on their union, whether it lasts a minute, a month, or a lifetime.

If you do not succeed the first time, try again! If you do not succeed during the speed dating, we'll launch, in mass, to find alcohol, mixing and mingling all the way. Remember, everyone riding with us is looking! So don't be shy! You are around kindred spirits who are just as crazy as you! ;-)

We may need volunteers to help for an hour each (two half hour shifts.) Volunteer benefits are:
* Exposure to the opposite gender. You will be helping the opposite gender, which will assure that you get seen by EVERY hopeful.
* After your half hour shift, you will get front of line treatment!
* You will get "I helped Critically Single" swag, thus increasing your hotness by an order of magnitude.
* If you do not get hooked, during the Critically Single Bar Crawl, we WILL pimp you.

See you on the playa!

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Pedal Monster 2007

Brian — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:38:20 GMT

Friday, July 13, 2007 - Sunday, July 15, 2007

San Francisco
Site - www.cyclecide.com

Cyclecide will be hosting bike clubs from around the country for our annual summer event of bicycle mayhem.

Poker Run bike races, Bands, pedal powered amusement rides, Life Size Mouse Trap and more…

Life Size Mouse Trap!

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

San Francisco Mass tonight

Brian — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:36:03 GMT

Be there or be square.

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Reality check. and a challenge.

Tue, 22 May 2007 00:56:29 GMT

While I do respect the moderator for allowing my acid, and dissenting opinion, I must challenge those of you thinking you are "revolutionary"
This does not apply to those among you who believe that treating your fellow humans with compassion is a revolutionary act. It is.

I am addressing the stale mindset, that requires villains in order to promote causes. the mindset that requires pumped up emotions, rather than observation and action. the mindset that many in CM appear to have. it;s very entitled.
This is an already failed part of leftist politics that destroyed a good deal of the left by alienating thousands here in the Bay Area who would have been glad to support good causes, had they not been so throughly insulted and villainized by over-zealous, and often violent and toxic people claiming to "represent" such causes.

Common sense seems to have been lost. I have seen this before. allow me to put forth examples of how this alone can often make the difference between a group of protesters, or activists, and a mob, or lynching party.

Black Panthers
Grey Panthers
SDS
Spartacus Youth League
Peace and freedom Party

these are all examples of ideas, that in their prime were legitimate progressive movements. then the egos took over. those more well-to-do began looking down on others that did not have the benefit of an upper class education. insults would fly, fights were started for things as trivial as manner of clothing, or what one's parents did for a living, or where someone came from.
This tore the left apart from within. COINTELPRO only finished off what the left had let die: respect for individuality. it died without a prayer, and along with any hope of passing down the lessons learned effectively to the next generation, which incidentally was the generation that then put the right in power.

I see so many similarities. the mob mind. the denials of responsibility. attempts to revise incidents. the use of symbols, children, and an "either you are with us or you are against us" mentality. (I do not have to point out the most recent famous source use of THAT thinly veiled threat)

If you are serious about this movement, you must police yourselves. that is the duty of any seriously leftist movement.

And my challenge:

I notice something strange: your routes are exceedingly in non black neighborhoods. in fact the routes are almost a sightseeing tour of the more wealthy, white populated areas, including malls, shopping area, and stores.

Why doesn't CM have routes that go through the Black and Latino neighborhoods?
You're not racist are you?
No?

Maybe there is another reason.
Maybe the reason is the "people" you claim to want to help and educate, are only the "people" from the same privileged backgrounds and of the same skin color as yourselves?

No?

Prove me wrong.

do a critical Mass in East Oakland on a weekend. like down International to 60th, and on to the Acorn

I am trying to be a little more respectful here than in my initial post,. I was exceedingly angered by the use of crying toddlers for a questionable photo op, by someone who moments before had ripped off a windshield wiper. I am well versed in the use of staged photo ops, by gifted liars, and this one wins the years best, in that category. it was a seriously shameful display if cruelty and hubris, and anyone defending supporting it is not, in theory nor practice a "leftist" not "progressive"
It is tired, old, ego-driven dead politics that serve only what I am now coming to call the "dead left", for their outdated, psychologically unstable displays of hubris and toxicity, which are a disservice to the many sacrifices and heroic actions of progressive predecessors whose progresses are being defiled and wasted in the service of the entitled and emotionally fucked up "dead left"
Time for a change.

Piero Amadeo Infante

posted in Critical Massers - 15 replies

Critical Manners in San Francisco

missadventure — Fri, 04 May 2007 21:15:31 GMT

Critical Manners
Fri., May. 11 | 5:30pm meet, 6:00pm start, Northeast corner of Larkin & Grove*
Critical Manners: a revolutionary act of courtesy. Come put the nice back in the bike world with critical manners! A helmet-wearing, bell-ringing, blinkie-sportin' good time for you and all your bike friends. Practice synchronized signaling, single file riding, stopping at stop signs and NOT blowing red lights. Critical Manners will brake for pedestrians, trolleys, and even the occasional SUV. If you've ridden in Critical Mass, you know about the "testosterone brigade". Maybe it's time you rode with Critical Manners. We take obedience of the law ridiculously seriously.

http://groups.google.com/group/critical-manners-ride-sf

posted in Critical Massers - 1 reply

Open Letter to Critical Mass

Sat, 19 May 2007 03:55:35 GMT

Absolutely shameful.

the video clip "Motorist Violence at Berkeley Critical Mass (May 11, 2007)"
vwww.youtube.com/watch reveals several obvious things.

Not only did this crowd make some senior citizens terrified, but actually PUT their bikes in the path of the van to "make a point" then the "victims" who sooo emotionally played their "victim" roles, videotaped themselves calling these scared senior citizens "crazy" and "violent" and doing everything in their power to make this an emotionally charged event that they could then take advantage of in the press, and in public opinion. most shameful of all is the mans shameless and cruel pimping of his OWN CRYING TODDLERS to further pump up as much emotion as he possible could. this man and "parents" like him are no better than the sick evangelicals who brainwash and use kids for right-wing christian fodder.

I am a child of such shameless "leftist" movements, and find these people to be false, shameless, empty pretenders to the calling of "activist" I myself have been cut off, insulted, cursed at and challenged by "critical mass" people in my car, (though I ride my bike about 70% of the time) and seen their sociopathic behavior first hand, several times.

Word: you in critical mass and all other phony, self serving, ego driven organizations who desperately need to been seen as "victims" and as "revolutionaries" are all outdated, and have hijacked the left and destroyed solidarity among leftists with your special interest, ego-driven hyperemotional, opportunist public displays of political ignorance.

This was not what we fought and bled for as children.

You, are pretenders.

Signed,

Piero Amadeo Infante.
Son of the east bay.

Bring it on.
You are not leftist, nor do you represent anything other than your own Egos.

posted in Critical Massers - 15 replies

any ideas on bike rentals for this fridays critical mass?

funkreater — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 23:22:30 GMT

Heya pedal pushers!

Im organizing a birthday ride on Friday and a bunch of us dont have bikes that are useable beyond the playa. We are looking for a place to rent about 6 or 7 bikes just for the ride and then be able to return them that night. We are running into the problem of rental shops closing down at 6 so therefore we would have to drive our bikes back home in cars to our homes that are far away defeating the whole purpose. Perhaps someone out there has a bunch of bikes laying around and wants to make a bit of money this friday??? lets make a deal!

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

SF G8 CM June 8th

enola — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:21:14 GMT

On Friday, June 8th - The day Berkeley CM is normally scheduled - There is going to be a SF ride [regular CM meeting place and time] as part of the G8 protest. I'm kind of torn because I always do Berkeley and last month some cyclists were struck by a vehicle here. But the G8 ride is only happening this Friday and Berkeley Mass is once a month. I guess it's good to have as many people as possible in SF, so I'll probably go to that one. However, it looks like many of the East Bay CMers are going to stay here and ride. :0/. I wish everyone could work together.

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Critically Single! - Burning Man 2007!

Coreyfro — Mon, 28 May 2007 00:00:55 GMT

Does this look familiar?

http://idiotcomics.com/saddestday.gif

Have a bike for two (or more) but no one with which to share it?

Well, I'll be at Burning Man trying to change that! This year at the man, I am promoting an event called "Critically Single"; Critical Mass meets speed dating!

Bring a tandem, bring a friend! (preferably to match your persuasion to TRY and keep things balanced.) We'll pool all our mass together and using a very scientific process (still under works in our "Critically Single" testing facility) we will pair people up for short dates! As people find pairings, just like critical mass, we will dwindle down to a critical few. When we get sufficiently small, we'll go find bars on the Playa and get critically drunk, and be each other's wingpersons as we try and get our last remaining massers hooked up.

Join the tribe and lets talk details.
http://tribes.tribe.net/criticallysingle

Interested parties who can help contribute, please join! I need some help brainstorming the idea and I definitely don't want to horde this idea for myself.

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Legal Ruling on Critical Mass Cycle Ride – Cyclist applies to take case to the Lords

ffiercefaggot — Sat, 26 May 2007 13:56:05 GMT

Last nights ride went on without any problems with 1500 Critcal Massers turning up and totally out numbering the Police. No one was arrested and the sound systems even played their music in Parliment Square which is illegal! Bellow is the press release put out by the Justice & Rights Dept at Friends Of the Earth:

May 21 2007

Friends of the Earth announced it had applied, on behalf of cyclist Des Kay to take the Critical Mass Cycle Ride dispute to the House of Lords today (21 May) after the Court of Appeal found that the monthly rides were not exempt from the requirement to give advance notice under the Public Order Act.

Friends of the Earth's Rights & Justice Centre has been acting for Critical Mass cyclist Des Kay. Kay had challenged the Metropolitan Police's claim that London's Critical Mass Cycle Ride was unlawful and that cyclists taking part were liable to prosecution.

The Critical Mass Cycle Rides are part of a global phenomenon in which cyclists in more than 400 cities worldwide take to the streets once a month in a celebration of safe cycling. The London Critical Mass Cycle Ride has taken place on the last Friday of every month since April 1994.

Phil Michaels, Head of Legal at Friends of the Earth Rights & Justice Centre and the solicitor for Des Kay said:

"We are in an unusual situation where the police's appeal has been successful even though, over two separate hearings, three judges have found in our favour and only two have found against us. Although the result is disappointing we are encouraged by the strongly worded dissenting judgments in our favour and hope that we are able to take this important case to the House of Lords.

Critical Mass represents a long standing and important part of London's vibrant cycling culture and everything should be done to encourage it. We hope that the police will think very carefully indeed before they take any steps as a result of this judgment".

The legal action was a result of a leaflet handed out by Superintendent Gomm of the Metropolitan Police at the Critical Mass ride in September 2005. The leaflet, handed to cyclists at the ride, stated that "These cycle protests are not lawful because no organiser has provided police with the necessary notification. Your participation in this event could render you liable to prosecution."

Lawyers for Des Kay, a keen cyclist and environmentalist from Kingston, argued that the monthly rides were not subject to the advance notification requirements [1] because they fell within an exception for processions that are "commonly or customarily held". The Divisional Court (of two judges) originally found for Mr Kay ruling that:

"an unbroken succession of over 140 of these collective cycle rides, setting out from a fixed location on a fixed day of the month and time of day and travelling, albeit by varying routes, through the Metropolitan Police area, cannot by now sensibly be called anything but common or customary."

The Court of Appeal has rejected that judgment by a majority of 2 to 1.

Notes
[1] Section 11 of the Public Order Act 1986

Contact details:

Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ

Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Email: info@foe.co.uk
Website: www.foe.co.uk

Media team

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Violent motorist attacks in Berkeley

enola — Sat, 12 May 2007 21:34:52 GMT

See video and press release here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUoUF1JrS98

I was there. Please note especially that the police ignored all attempts by us, the bicyclists, to press any charges or file a citizens arrest.

posted in Critical Massers - 7 replies

London CM now illegal?

ffiercefaggot — Tue, 22 May 2007 19:58:44 GMT

The Metropolitan Police have won a court battle giving them control over London's Critical Mass cycle ride.
Two Appeal Court judges overturned a High Court ruling that the event was lawful and organisers must now notify police giving a date, time and route.

Every month cyclists gather on the South Bank and ride through the city in the evening to celebrate safe cycling.

Now police will have the power to make arrests under the Public Order Act if they are not warned about the route.

'Potentially oppressive'

The legal battle began in September 2005 when, before the start of that month's ride, police handed out a letter to participants stating the Critical Mass rides were not lawful.

Police said "organisers of public processions" were required by law to give at least six days' notice of the date, time and proposed route, as well as their names and addresses.

This resulted in one of the regular Critical Mass riders asking Lord Justice Sedley and Mr Justice Gray to rule in the High Court that the police were misinterpreting the law.

The court heard the rides had no organiser and no fixed route and ruled that, as "customarily" held events, prior notice was not required under the Act.

At Monday's appeal hearing, Lord Justice Wall, the judge who found in favour of the cyclists, said to rule that Critical Mass fell under the auspices of the Public Order Act was "potentially oppressive".

A procession cannot, in my judgement, become common or customary if no route or end point is ever the same

Lord Justice Leveson

"The police, in my judgment, know what the cyclists are going to do. They are going to ride around the Greater London area," he said.

"That is a perfectly lawful activity, and if, for any reason, it ceases to be so, the police have ample powers to intervene."

London mayor Ken Livingstone's road safety ambassador Jenny Jones had earlier urged the police to allow the rallies to go ahead as planned, the judge said.

However, Lord Justice Leveson said cyclists came together at a fixed point, but the lead riders chose the course and where the rally finished.

"A procession cannot, in my judgment, become common or customary if no route or end point is ever the same," he said.

Sir Mark Potter, the President of the High Court Family Division, also found for the police.

Jenny Jones, a Green Party member of the London Assembly, said in a statement: "This decision is bad news for everyone, as it will end up with the police wasting time arresting innocent cyclists like me, rather than arresting real criminals.

"Critical Mass is a lively, but peaceful get-together of cyclists which has been going on for over a decade without any major incidents.

"Arresting cyclists at Critical Mass will be like arresting a group of passengers for gathering at Westminster tube station during the rush hour."

The London ride is part of a worldwide phenomenon and has taken place on the last Friday of the month, every month, for the past 13 years.

posted in Critical Massers - 1 reply

Beware of the zombie mob!

toomanyTomcats — Mon, 21 May 2007 22:06:36 GMT

Friends, It is time to ring the alarms! Zombies are coming! Email everyone you know so they can stay out of harm's way!

As the date draws near it becomes undeniably clear that a zombie hoard will reach downtown San Francisco on Friday, May 25th around 6pm. This is unfortunately at the same time as the Critical Mass bike ride. They must be notified of the impending danger, for the love of all that is holy!

By Wednesday I will be able to publish detailed information about the route the undead will likely take, projected from topographic and demographic information of the area. It seems that high traffic shopping districts are most attractive to these soulless ghouls.

You (and your loved ones who email mob@eatbrains.com) will receive further details as soon as it is safe to release them.

Do not despair, together we are strong!
-- Zombie Wrangler, Containment Specialist

posted in Critical Massers - 1 reply

World Naked Bike Ride Chicago

Rob — Mon, 07 May 2007 20:37:20 GMT

Hey, all:

We’re planning Chicago’s version of the World Naked Bike Ride, which will happen on June 9th, 2007. Somewhere between 200 and 500 cyclists will ride through Chicago to protest oil dependency. They’ll sport costumes, body paint, decorated bikes and, if they’re daring, no clothes at all. The ride will last from about 9 pm to about midnight, rain or shine. (For more info, go to: http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/ or )
www.worldnakedbikeride.org/chicago/)

Two venues are needed:
First, we’ll need an assembly and costuming point where people can painted and decorate themselves and their bikes prior to the ride. This should be a quiet home, backyard or enclosed courtyard, preferably in the Wicker Park/Bucktown/Near North area. The way it works is that we’ll publicize an “assembly point” somewhere near the costuming place (usually a park) and those who show up with bicycles will be sent to the costuming place. Gawkers who show up with cameras but without bikes will be S.O.L.

Second, we need a place to host a post-ride party. Two years ago a friendly person opened up their loft for the 100+ naked and partially clothed people who wanted to party afterwards, but they had to bring their own drinks. Last year we had a party at a local bar, but we were told we had to put our clothing on before entering, which killed the whole spirit of the naked bike ride.

So we’re looking for venues for a post-ride party, ideally that will allow nudity (NOTE: this is a naked but NON-SEXUAL event!) and that can fit 100 to 300 people, and that allows alcohol (better yet, that serves alcohol—a bar, or gallery, would be ideal) Because this is a non-profit organization, we can’t front much, if any, money, but can get quite a crowd into a bar or gallery.

If you’ve any suggestions or can offer a place, please email me at: hippierob@gmail.com

If you’re going to respond with smart-aleck comments, or ask for details about where you can see (but not participate in) the naked bike ride, please don’t bother.

Thanks!

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

upcoming bay area rides

pedalnoise — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 10:21:05 GMT

for those of you who will be in the area and just can't get enough:

April 6th - Oakland Critical Mass (every first friday)
6pm @ Frank Ogawa Plaza (12th St. BART entrance on Broadway & 14th St)

April 13th - Berkeley Critical Mass (every second friday)
6pm @ Downtown Berkley BART on Shattuck Ave

April 20th - Walnut Creek Critical Mass (every third friday)
6pm @ Walnut Creek BART

April 27th - San Francisco Critical Mass (every last friday)
6pm @ Justin Herman Plaza (near Embarcadero BART on Market St.)

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

NYC critical mass - cops harrass cyclists again

diazo — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 12:25:19 GMT

check out my site for a photo montage and links to just-released-videos:

http://www.pagoda.blogspot.com

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

London CM court case, an update

ffiercefaggot — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 10:59:21 GMT

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 a possible strategies in the
event of the appeal succeeding. The result of the appeal could be soon
or take several weeks more. Due to the Mass's anarchic nature it is
unlikely that a strategy consensus will ever be arrived at but maybe
the usual spontaneity might do the trick instead.

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 at the same time.

London Assembly Green Party Member

Press Office 0207 983 4424

Jenny Jones mobile 07786 277376

Embargoe: Monday 2nd April 2007

Met Police waste time on civil liberties clamp down

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police insisted that they would go ahead with their appeal against the decision to allow the Critical Mass bike ride to continue in London. Ian Blair was being questioned at the Metropolitan Police Authority on Thursday by Jenny Jones, who also wants the Commissioner to scale back to a minimum the current policing of demonstrations in Parliament Square.

Jenny Jones, a Green Party member of the London Assembly, commented:

"I find it amazing that London's over stretched police service is able to waste time on petty minded court cases against slow moving cyclists and on enforcing a ridiculous law against mildly eccentric protests outside Parliament. Ian Blair is constantly talking up the impossible job which his over stretched police service has to do in London. In fact, he has spent several years claiming to have no extra funding for enforcing the rules on London's lawless roads, yet he does have money spare for clamping down on civil liberties?"

Notes to Editors

1. Next year's increase in the GLA precept will raise £50m. 70% of the council tax raised by the London Mayor goes on policing.

2. An estimated £4m is due to be spent later this year on policing the Arms Fair at the Excel Centre in East London.

3. In the fourteen months since the Serious and Organised Crime Act came into force on 1 August 2005 there have been 1163 applications for demonstrations within the designated area and 4,000 events; during the same period before 1 August 2005, there were about 640 demonstrations.

GREATER LONDON AUTHORITY

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

where should i go to experience critical mass in April?

diazo — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 05:35:12 GMT

i'm taking a vacation the last week of April. just decided it would be cool to leave NYC and participate in a critical mass ride somewhere else in the world, perhaps overseas. i only have one week. any suggestions based on first hand info? i want something wild and fun with a large crowd but without risk of arrest, etc. (i've heard there's been some issues in london, tho' i guess no arrests since it was knocked down in court.) and the rest of my week should be worth the trip too.

posted in Critical Massers - 3 replies

NYC critical mass & the NYPD

diazo — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 05:31:14 GMT

ok, are you guys following this?

www.5bbc.org/parade/nypdsuit.shtml

click on casefiles for details. the indiv. declarations are really worth reading. (tomorrow night is the first critical mass in manhattan since the lawsuit. but it was submitted too late for the hoped for injunction. the injunction could happen, but not in time for this mass.)

also, watch the democracy now! show, even if you did read the NYT article:

www.democracynow.org/article.pl

critical mass and a group called times up are mentioned.

also, watch out for tomorrow! it's either the Death of Pedicabs in the city, or the survival - birth of sustainability in NYC. it all depends on what Mayor Bloomberg decides on the bill.

posted in Critical Massers - 1 reply

London CM back in court

ffiercefaggot — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 19:20:22 GMT

The Metropolitan Police has begun a court battle to force organisers of a monthly cycle ride in London to give advance notice of the route. Read the full story here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6450057.stm

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Albert Bates Speakes at the Audubon Center Los Angeles, Sat March 24th Save the Date!

David — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 03:36:52 GMT

2007 Sustainable Habitats Lecture Series:

You are invited to a great presentation, Come meet Albert Bates and attend this memorable event:
"Post Petroleum Survival Guide and Cookbook"
ALBERT BATES - The great change to a post-petroleum world will be wonderful. Applying Permaculture and Appropriate Technology.

Place: Audubon Center at Debs Park
4700 Griffin Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90031

Time:10:00 AM
Cost:$10 on-line $15 at the door
Instructions for payment: RSVP and pay on-line using PayPal www.sustainablehabitats.org
*

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posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Helmetless priest ticketed at Mass

rob_ — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 23:06:54 GMT

i love the headline.

from: http://www.straight.com/article/helmetless-priest-ticketed-at-mass

Helmetless priest ticketed at Mass
By Matthew Burrows
Published: January 4, 2007, page 11

Vancouver Anglican priest Emilie Smith recently survived the political instability of Mexico’s Oaxaca state.

The local coordinator for the Ecumenical Task Force for Justice in the Americas did not expect any trouble at the month-end Critical Mass bike ride in Vancouver on December 29. But having left her bike helmet at home in favour of a hat, Smith found herself ticketed—along with three others—and given a $29 fine.

"It's kind of embarrassing," said Smith. "At some point as we came around the corner of Hastings [southbound] at Commercial, and this huge dude, Doug [Gook], was corking [blocking side-street car traffic]. It turned out that he was corking a ghost car of the Vancouver police."

Smith said the officers did not respond kindly and wanted to haul renowned Critical Mass regular Gook away. Smith decided she had to try and intervene.

"In the end I got a ticket, along with Doug, Ifny Lachance, and this guy who was new in town," she said. "Welcome to Vancouver."

Approximately 50 people showed up for the ride, which starts at the Georgia Street steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery at 6 p.m. on the last Friday of every month. The route is decided loosely by consensus, and on this chilly occasion the cyclists went for the friendly turf of Commercial Drive.

These four bylaw infractions--Smith has named the group the "Commercial Drive Four"--coincide with the unveiling of Mayor Sam Sullivan's Project Civil City. The mayor's project draws on a self-selecting survey conducted on-line.

On Sullivan's Web site-- www.mayorsamsullivan.ca/ --the 32-page Project Civil City document notes 308 responses flagged "cyclists not wearing helmets". Under traffic-related concerns, 50 responses came in for "cyclists not obeying the rules of the road".

Vancouver police department Const. Howard Chow told the Straight that his fellow officers were ticketing cyclists "before, during, and after the [mayor's November 27] announcement".

Added Chow: "Just because they are part of that group does not mean they are above the law."

Does Chow think cyclists will respect helmet laws by the time next month's Critical Mass rolls around?

"Probably not," he replied.

posted in Critical Massers - 2 replies

Chicago-Punk Events-Bikers Welcome!

dayzduk77 — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 17:36:39 GMT

If your living in the area, or a constant visitor, check out this site. We organize group outings for events. Add events, meet new people & expand your social network for the better.

www.punk.meetup.com/356

P.S.
I am the owner/organizer of this group. If your not a member of the Meetup site, you will have to register to become a member of any group that utilizes their site for promotion support. The cost is ZERO to you and you might find other groups that "fit the bill".

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

CM editorial in NY Times

flaneuse — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 22:23:21 GMT

I can agree with the part about "gearing down a notch", but somehow these types of articles always seem to end up focusing on the renegade behavior of a couple cyclists, which are in the VAST minority anyway, and taking the focus away from the arrogance and insulary behavior of motorists--for example the huge number of them who talk on their cell phones when their full attention should be on the road.

----------------------------------------------
Editorial: Cyclists, the Police and the Rest of Us
New York Times
December 29, 2006

Urban bike riders often feel they’re pedaling on virtuous ground, striking a blow against pollution and traffic congestion. That’s particularly true of a movement called Critical Mass, which holds demonstrations around the world on the last Friday of every month, tonight included. Thousands of riders will take to the streets. They’ll force cross traffic to stop and wait as the bikes all whiz by. There have been scuffles in the past with the police in San Francisco and in Seattle, but lately nothing compares to the confrontations in New York, where the stare-down between cyclists and police officers keeps escalating, threatening to create a losing proposition for both sides.

The New York police, who deem Critical Mass an illegal parade and have drafted a law that would essentially ban it, have seemed obsessed with the rides since one coincided with the Republican National Convention in August 2004. Officers arrested 264 cyclists then. There are fewer arrests now, but the response is no less disproportionate. An amazing array of police resources — scooters, vans, unmarked cars and helicopters — chase a quarry that looks like fish in a barrel. Police vehicles race the wrong way and on sidewalks, posing a greater public danger than the bikers.

The department’s proposed parade law — which would greatly restrict the right of assembly for even small groups — goes overboard and isn’t likely to stop the monthly rides anyway. Considering that more than 200 cyclists have died in traffic in New York over the last decade, including two hit by motorists on a bike path recently, the department should have better priorities. The police should pay more attention to the real problems — everyday cyclists who ignore red lights and one-way street signs, and motorists who crowd and cut off bikers.

Law-abiding bicyclists could win a lot of hearts if they focused more on bad behavior by fellow bikers. That includes the Critical Mass practice of corking streets — as halting cross traffic is called — which is an odd way for cyclists to make their case that biking is the answer to gridlock. Ride leaders should work with the police to chart a route and allow officers to stop traffic for them, as was done before the 2004 confrontations. As both sides prepare for the year’s final ride, we’d like to see everyone gear down a notch.

posted in Critical Massers - 4 replies

CM in New Yorker mag this week

flaneuse — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 13:56:04 GMT

This week's (No.v 13) issue of the New York has an article about bicycle advocacy. I looked forward to reading it because of the great writing in that magazine, but I found the article weak and disappointing. Not just because it's skewed, though it is. The headline is "Holy Rollers: The city's bicycle zealots" and the teaser on the cover is "Hell on Two Wheels: the city's bicycle crusaders", so with language like that you get the idea.

The reporter chooses two men to represent their respective sides of the debate: Paul White, head of Transportation Alternatives, and Tom Bernardin a professional tour guide and general curmudgeon (he doesn't like the sound of bike chains: "It sounds like a rattlesnake coming up behind you"). For me the article seems to miss something essential. The reporter trivializes the issue; instead of bringing the people and the issues alive, he seems to watch it from some vantage of being above it all, like it's all just a little amusement for him, like watching children have a playground fight.

I'd be interested in others' opinions of the article. So far it's available online, but the NYer is a weekly, so content probably changes often:

http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/061113fa_fact

Cross-posted: Critical Mass, Cars Suck

posted in Critical Massers - 5 replies

You Never Bike Alone - A Documentary about Vancouver's Critical Mass(es)

rrrao — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 01:05:37 GMT

Here's the blurb about the film from the doc's website http://youneverbikealone.com/ ...keep an eye out, perhaps it will get distributed to yer city in the next few months:

"You Never Bike Alone is an 80 minute documentary looking at how cyclists are building critical mass in Vancouver, Canada, and changing the face of the city.

[. . .]

Vancouver has become renowned for its big Critical Mass bike rides, and particularly the party spirit that attracts all types of cyclists.

You Never Bike Alone charts the development of these mass rides in Vancouver over the last decade, from the (pre-Critical Mass) protest rides across the historic Lions Gate Bridge in the early to mid-Nineties, through the "No Fun City" years of the late 1990s and early 2000s, where cyclists were routinely arrested for riding together, up to giant Critical Mass rides of more recent years.

Along the way, You Never Bike Alone strips down for the Wholesome Undie (an underwear ride protesting the Molson Indy race) and throws caution to the wind for the World Naked Bike Ride, a ride founded in Vancouver by a Critical Mass regular.

YNBA catches up with the local "freak" bike collective (who make art bikes from recycled machines) and looks at how cyclists are sharing the "velo love" through buildathons, street theatre, and rides.

Drawing on footage shot over the last decade, it asks whether cycle activists are succeeding in their goals. Through interviews with motorists "stuck in traffic," cyclists of all backgrounds, and local politicians, some of whom ride on the Mass themselves, it asks whether Critical Mass and similarly styled rides are winning hearts and minds.

You Never Bike Alone also checks in with the politicians and those who are shaping our urban environment. With its goal of having 10% of journeys by bike by 2010, the year Vancouver hosts the Winter Olympics, the city seems to be heading toward a more sustainable future. However, plans are afoot to embark on a massive road infrastructure expansion program on the city outskirts, The Gateway Project, that will flood Vancouver with commuting cars and encourage further sprawl of the city's ever-expanding commuter belt.

The lines are drawn, but which vision will prevail?"

World Premiere of 'You Never Bike Alone' -

Date: Sunday, 26th November, 2pm (doors open 1.30pm).
Venue: Rio Theatre, 1660 E. Broadway (at Commercial), Vancouver.
Cinema is close to Broadway/Commercial Skytrain station, B-line and other bus routes.
Tickets: $8 on the door (advance tickets available at bike events)

posted in Critical Massers - 1 reply

Hallowe'en Critical Mass !!

missadventure — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 20:47:23 GMT

Is my favorite thing!!

What are you going to wear???

I'll either be a clown or Team America.

See you there!
m

posted in Critical Massers - 2 replies

The 2007 Chicago Critical Mass Anti-Auto Show -- first call!

THC — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 00:09:42 GMT

Calling all artists!

This year's Critical Mass Anti-Auto Show is going to be the best ever. We don't have a space yet, and we don't have a single dollar for organizing. What we do have is a battalion of visionary bike riders and artists whose collective contributions will surely astound and enlighten the uninitiated. Bring your unusual inventions, your fantastic renditions, your most clever creations to Chicago's Tenth Anniversay Critical Mass Anti-Auto Show, and help us to celebrate the end of car culture.

Start to think out your artistic statement about city life, car culture, or the beauty of the bicycle. The show will open on the second saturday in February, and run through to the end of the month.

Check out this address for images and information from earlier CCM art events. Go to http://www.chicagocriticalmass.org/cmart02_rightframe2.html.

Velo & Pais,
Travis Hugh Culley

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Chicago ride report

THC — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 09:28:21 GMT

This month's critical mass ride was about a thousand strong. It's usually hard for me to tell because of the g'dawful state I'm in. We corralled around the Picasso sculpture, there above traffic court and waited around for someone to figure out which of the routes we'd take. There were two maps proposed that night. The first one that I recieved was from a rider that I hadn't met, and there was a lot of people there I hadn't met. This ride proposed some kind of general zig zag through Lincoln Park. The next route that I recieved came from an old school masser that I knew well. I didn't know which route would get the most praise because the older the masser, the less he seeme interested in his own agenda. Micheal Burton bored himself, offering me an invitation to the Octoberfest Ride (which also goes up through Lincoln Park).

I kept mingling until I realized that it was getting dark, it had started raining, and no one had taken the initiative to start the ride. Finally I stepped up and announced that there were two maps that were generally going up through Lincoln Park, and that we could simply do both of them. I got a big cheer from that idea, and neither of the routes hosts seemed to be really working their cause, and so the undemocratic Octoberfest Ride began. Thie route took us through the Loop, a few different ways, and then it traced the other route right past the destination, and then continued up to Lincoln Square, where there was a pedestrian mall with some old school german bars that would be celebrating Octoberfest quite traditionally. Hoy!

The night was sort of drizzly, but that meant for a more peaceful ride. I think the driver's were less antaginistic because the were already cautioned by the rain. Later, as we rode through the gold coast, and Old Town, without restiction from the police, the rain let up and the night became quite perfect. This was the first of the fall rides, and we felt the chill of the season already setting in. The police were protective of us, watching interections, and stopping traffic.

We got split up at Wellington and Halsted. I was up in the front group which got away from the rest. We waited at the six way intersection with Lincoln, doing circles in the intersection, until massers started to descend on us from two directions! Big party for a moment as these group met in the street. The ride continued following Lincon until it reached the square. After hanging out in the street for a while I joined a few friends for rounds at the bar, and we got to see these classic German dances in these traditional outfits. They wore suspenders and khaki shorts, and they wore Robin Hood hats. In the basement were intense table tennis competitions. And what great beer!

Next week the Evanston ride will meet up with the Oak Park ride.
"Rock over London. Rock on Chicago."

www.chicagocriticalmass.org

posted in Critical Massers - 2 replies

after-critical mass SF - The High Rollers party!!!!

Big-Dolla — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 00:32:36 GMT

Yo! After Mass roll on down to the High Rollers party, get refreshed
and put a little put a little sin in your evening

The Fringe, Knob Creek Whiskey and the Mars Bar are ganging up to
start the Halloween weekend off in style.

The High Rollers Halloween
October 27th @ Mars Bar, SF

Hey Player! Las Vegas, Monaco and Atlantic City are for amateurs!
Calling all you gamblin goodfellas, Fly pimpz, high, low & no-class
ladies, and all the rest of you ghetto fabulous folks. Get on with your
Soprano finest, get on your pimped out cruizer and roll on down to
Mars bar for a TGIF night of gambling, burlesque, mashed-up
hip-hopped gangsta tunes and roaring criminal debauchery.
Liquor up front, poker in the back with a sun roof top and you on the
dance floor with a gangsta lean!

The entertainment
Big Dolla & Dylan Mac – The Fringe’s own OG big pimpin hip hop tag team
Kitty Kitty Bang Bang – Burlesque dancers

High Rolling drink specials!
Small Batch Knob Creek tasting, Poker tables and more.

Attire:
Your super-flyest, bling-blinged High Roller fashionables
or just put on your best halloween costume

$50!!!!! prize for best dressed man & woman!

@ Mars Bar
San Francisco,
Corner of 7th & Brannan
9pm-2am, 21+

5$ in High Roller duds, $10 if you are a dud

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Reading on Critical Mass

riotgrrl — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 23:56:32 GMT

I stumbled across a sweet book at a local coffee shop yesterday, and found another in special collections at our library. Anyone else care to share good reading on critical mass histories/issues/etc?

Critical Mass: Bicycling's Defiant Celebration
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 1902593596
Aug 2002
Publisher: Consortium Book Sales & Dist
208 pages

Hey! Get out of our way! How to make a critical mass, lessons and ideas from the SF bay area experience.
Oakland, CA : Solstice Press, [no date].

posted in Critical Massers - 4 replies

Indie video: "Dinosaurs against fossil fuels"

flaneuse — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 01:16:30 GMT

"Extinction Stinks". Troubling, funny, and a great plug for bicycling:

www.youtube.com/watch

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

7-28-06

riotgrrl — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 23:44:15 GMT

Since the heatwave broke out here in California, we had a lovely critical mass on friday. Except that I ran into one of my friends yesterday and found out that he had crashed and knocked out a couple of his front teeth. Totally gnarly shit for a city that's not particularly hard to bike in.

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

today was soo fucking rad

Andrea — Sat, 01 Jul 2006 05:41:58 GMT

nothing compared to the critical mass im used to in sac with maybe 15 people...i wanna say sorry to the guys i almost made crash into me in the tunnel..also the girl on the crusier i rear-ended...and i must say i have so pretty good reflexes i almost bit it twice but i saved myself..yey me.....thanks everyone that was a tone of fun..and i look foward to next month..in the mean time everyone ride safe.
peace
-andrea
ps...guy in blue shirt with funny print socks..your hot=)
ooo and the guy with the red hoodie!

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Davis CA Critical Mass Video

riotgrrl — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 05:41:30 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJOpJ7sfTrU

I'm not saying it's a good video, but its entertaining, if nothing else for the cameo of the two boys discussing nakedness and bicycle revolution. That and my ass is in it for about a second.

posted in Critical Massers - 2 replies

Rochester, MN

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 21:33:11 GMT

Meet @ 5:00pm Central Park, Rochester, MN
Roll out at 5:30

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

The Ditty Bops promote their new album with a cross-country bicycle tour

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:02:51 GMT

I thought this was pretty damn cool and wanted to share. Great band to check out, too, if you like folk-pop with lots of old-timey influences and sweet female harmonies.

THE DITTY BOPS TO EMBARK ON U.S. CROSS-COUNTRY BIKE TOUR TO PROMOTE UPCOMING ALBUM — MOON OVER THE FREEWAY —
DUE THIS SUMMER

ECLECTIC FOLK-POP DUO WILL TRAVEL FROM LOS ANGELES TO
NEW YORK CITY BY BICYCLE

April 22, 2006— Burbank, CA — For a band that has engaged shadow puppets, interpretive dance, sword fighting, and jugglers to charm their audiences, it’s not surprising that the Los Angeles folk-pop duo The Ditty Bops would choose an unorthodox method to promote their upcoming album Moon Over the Freeway. On May 25th, the girls — Amanda Barrett and Abby DeWald — will hit the road for a three-month tour, traveling cross-country from Los Angeles to New York City solely by bicycle.
Along the way, bike enthusiasts Barrett and DeWald will stop in both big cities and small towns, and perform at theaters, music halls, bike stores, and farms to promote Moon Over the Freeway, which will be made available for purchase at each show.
“We decided to do the tour this way to promote not only our album, but also cycling and cleaner air,” says DeWald. “If we can ride our bikes across the country and play music, we hope others will be inspired to ride their bikes more often. It’ll also be nice to move our bodies rather than sit in a mush pile in the back of a dirty van.”
DeWald has ridden her bike everywhere since her car was totaled five years ago in an accident. Barrett has cycled since she was a child, but neither had ever ridden more than 50 miles at one time until recently. To prepare for their trek, the girls have been cycling 150 to 200 miles a week in the Hollywood Hills and Santa Monica Mountains, rain or shine. “Mostly rain,” says Barrett.
Because of the freewheeling style of the tour, only the dates listed below have been confirmed. However fans can visit the duo’s website, www.dittybops.com, for day-to-day information and updates on their journey. In addition, several bicycle coalitions and advocacy groups will help promote group rides and provide links to the Ditty Bops website.
The Ditty Bops formed in 2003 and began to play around Los Angeles as a four-piece acoustic band with Barrett on mandolin, dulcimer, and washboard and DeWald on guitar and piano. The retro-flavored style of their music, which incorporates elements of Western swing, ragtime, gypsy-jazz, pop, and vaudeville-era musical theater, was beautifully captured on the duo’s 2004 self-titled debut album for Warner Bros. Records, which was produced by Mitchell Froom (Suzanne Vega, Crowded House, Elvis Costello). Barrett says Moon Over the Freeway sounds more like their live band: “It’s like Calamity Jane, Betty Boop, and Jessica Rabbit laughing in their rag top convertible as they drive through the mysterious streets of San Berdoo.”

The Bops will ride through and play in the following cities:
Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Grover Beach, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Winters, CA; Portland, Eugene, OR; Seattle, WA; Lake Tahoe, Reno, Fallon, Baker, NV; Steamboat Springs, Fort Collins, Denver, Frisco, Boulder, CO; Oberlin, OH; Lucas, Lawrence, KS; Boonville, Columbia, Kansas City, MO; Springfield, IL; Bloomington, Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, Madison, WI; Walhalla, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, MI; Toledo, Cleveland, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Washington, DC; Annapolis, MD; Philadelphia, PA; and New York City.

Confirmed appearances by The Ditty Bops are as follows:

May

23 Los Angeles, CA In-store/Amoeba Music
24 Los Angeles, CA KCRW radio
24 Los Angeles, CA The Derby

July
8 Frisco, CO Tour de Fat
9 Boulder, CO E-Town, radio show
10 Boulder, CO with Indigo Girls

August
12 Wallhalla, MI Michigan Women’s Music Festival

posted in Critical Massers - 5 replies

Critical Mass When and Where

Andrea — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 20:47:55 GMT

im new to sf..and i got some info that i think may be outdated..someone correct me..it tells me that its the last friday @ 5;30 at Justin Herman Plaza...is that where we start????let me know
-andrea

posted in Critical Massers - 4 replies

5/26/06 SF Critical Mass

amor — Mon, 29 May 2006 18:24:47 GMT

my video of the ride is here:

http://www.vimeo.com/clip:76847

posted in Critical Massers - 1 reply

Running red lights: a central tenet of CM?

flaneuse — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:09:28 GMT

Hi folks,

I'm a longtime bicycle advocate but am relatively new to the CM approach. I'm all for in-your-face bike advocacy but am ambivalent about the CM practice of running red lights and tying up traffic--not because I support the dominance of the automobile, but because antagonising people isn't a great way to win hearts and minds.

Do all city CM rides run lights in order to stay together, or do some communities do it differently? Are others on the fence about the practice?

posted in Critical Massers - 4 replies

Police brutality at Winnipeg's Critical Mass (May '06)

rrrao — Mon, 29 May 2006 18:40:50 GMT

Read this in the paper over the weekend... another case of police harrassment of a local Mass... grr...

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=da4204bb-3bb5-424a-a7fc-6cf6ef7b5fdb&k=59813

Cyclists' demonstration ends with allegations of police brutality

Jen Skerritt, CanWest News Service; Winnipeg Free Press
Published: Sunday, May 28, 2006

WINNIPEG -- One of eight cyclists arrested after he rode his bike with a group of 60 people through downtown Winnipeg Friday alleges police used excessive, and often brutal, force in an attempt to push their peaceful demonstration off the road.

University of Manitoba student Aaron Levere, 29, said he watched as an officer grabbed his friend, Beau Burton, from his bicycle and pinned him to the ground while the officer roughly pressed his knee against Burton's neck.

Levere said he couldn't stand watching his friend writhing in pain, and grabbed his arm to try to pull him away from police.

"He was screaming," Levere said. "He was in a lot of pain."

Police intercepted the monthly ride of Critical Mass Winnipeg a group of cyclists involved in a global movement to promote biking as a healthier mode of transportation early Friday evening.

Witnesses said police rounded up a group of cyclists and loaded them into a paddy wagon to take them into custody.

Winnipeg police duty Insp. Steve Pilote said Friday that a police bicycle unit escorted the protesters until an "incident" required the officers to call for backup.

He declined to provide further details Saturday and would not confirm how many cyclists were arrested or what charges they were facing.

"It wouldn't be appropriate to comment at this time," he said.

"But if anyone feels that they've been dealt with unfairly, I would encourage them to file a complaint with LERA."

The Law Enforcement Review Agency is an independent body that investigates complaints against police.

Levere said he was one of eight cyclists arrested and taken into police custody until he was released later Friday night. Levere was charged with obstructing a police officer and is not allowed to contact any of the other cyclists who were arrested or ride his bike downtown until his court date in July.

According to Levere, one of the cyclists was charged with assault for allegedly punching a plainclothes officer who grabbed him.

Levere is now talking to lawyers to see if police were within legal parameters or if he could file a complaint against them.

"No one was swinging or swearing at police," he said, noting he's ridden with Critical Mass in other cities like Victoria and has never seen such a big confrontation. "It was just people making an effort to ensure no one was arrested by police."

Before the evening erupted into chaos, Molly McCracken, a local consultant and group member, said the ride was running smoothly until they turned onto a street where a police cruiser blocked their path.

McCracken was riding near the front of the pack when she said officers told the group to disperse and get off the road. Although they were taking up every westbound lane of traffic on the busy downtown route, McCracken said the cyclists were moving at a fast pace and were not disrupting traffic.

McCracken said cyclists began arguing with police that they had a right to use the road. When a man yelled "everyone stick together," she said a cyclist was grabbed from behind by the neck by a police officer who not in uniform.

"It was like a general frenzy," she said. "Police started grabbing people who tried to move or get away."

Levere said he heard of at least one cyclist who needed stitches.

Ian Mauro, a PhD student at the University of Manitoba said Critical Mass has always been a non-violent group that promotes safety and health since it began in San Francisco in the early 1990s. He said their monthly celebration and promotion of cycling was unfairly interrupted by police, who endangered the safety of group members, which include children and working professionals.

"It was a shocking thing," he said. "That's not my idea of a fun day. It was demented."

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

CM London Report 26/5/06

ffiercefaggot — Fri, 26 May 2006 22:34:24 GMT

After seven years or so, i think tonights CM was my best yet. To contrast it the one in March the cops where aggressive, in april people choose to stop at oxford circus (and block mainly bus routes) but tonights was perfect, 2 great sound systems, 3-400 riders, no attittude and only one arrest. and that was a black cab driver who punched a cyclist. WoW!

Keep on Rockin Critical Mass London and all over the shop, everywhere else XX

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Houston people here???

troubleporndawgie — Thu, 18 May 2006 19:38:00 GMT

Hey, folks ... I'm gonna be going to a family reunion in the 3rd week of July in Houston. Will probably take my bicycle with me. Curious about Houston's bike situtation, CritMass, etc.

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

New Tribe!

thunderpants — Sun, 14 May 2006 21:57:59 GMT

BIKE PORN!!!!!

http://tribes.tribe.net/bicycleporn
please send me a private messege and i will add you. (but give me a moment to figure it out)

posted in Critical Massers - 1 reply

SAN ANTONIO

texasisaiah — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 17:33:59 GMT

Yo anyone from SA. o near it. scallywags want you guys to come ride with us during the fiesta parade. let me know if you want in so i can fill yuou in. Scallywags and Black Label (still pending) are the only clubs representing as of now.

posted in Critical Massers - 3 replies

Any chicago massers here?

hellewag — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 16:44:54 GMT

just wondering if there are any chicago massers on this tribe.
a few scallywags should be there this week. say hi if you see any of us.
joshua

posted in Critical Massers - 7 replies

Trans Cycling Odyssey- Biking trip across Canada to Raise transgender awareness and suicide prevention

keenan — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 22:24:47 GMT

Hey all,

I've just joined this tribe and wanted to spread the word about a cross Canada bicycle trip that I am embarking on. This trip is in memory of Alexandria Tucker a friend and transwoman who killed herself April 14th/05. The focus of the trip will be to hold speaking engagements along the way and raise issues around transgender awareness and suicide prevention. I have already done lots of networking (as some of you may already know fundraising is one of the hardest things to do when planning a trip) but thought it wouldn't hurt to also post something to this list. We are in desperate need of $$$ and a camperized van that would make it across Canada and back. Any amount would help us reach our goal. You can find our contact info on the website.

To find out more info about the why's and how's of the trip please checxk out the website at www.flyingtrannys.com and hey if you have some spare $$ lying around you might want to consider giving it to this great cause.

Cheers,

Keenan

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

NYC CM - Latest Court Victory

Lee — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 18:50:49 GMT

Good news from the state court judge, but I expect there will still be police harrassment this Friday. See the NY Times article here.

http://www.times-up.org/press_view.php?article=060216_nytimes_city_rebuffed

posted in Critical Massers - 2 replies

Why We Ride and Do's and Don'ts!

rrrao — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 20:14:06 GMT

This is from Chris Carlsson's personal blog...:

http://lipmagazine.org/ccarlsson/archives/2006/02/critical_mass_f.html#more.

I got a chance to hang out with Chris over X-mas in SF, and he's a decent guy, with some pretty intelligent things to say... some might think he's coming off preachy in this bit, but I think it's worth listening to the experience of someone who's been doing CM since '92...

Critical Mass Do's and Don't's

DO

• talk to strangers, bystanders, bus riders, motorists

• welcome people to join us next time

• help cars stuck in mass to exit to the right

• stop regularly if you’re in front (no matter how slowly you think you’re going, gaps are opening up behind you)

• stop at red lights when in front to allow the rest of the ride to “mass up” behind.

• keep going in dense packs through red lights to stick together and keep it safe for everyone.

• fill gaps; Critical Mass depends on bicycle density to displace cars.

• remember that pleasure and friendliness are more subversive than anger and blaming.

DON'T

• race ahead to block cross traffic before the Mass has arrived

• ride into oncoming traffic on the wrong side of the road

• pick fights with motorists, even (especially) if they’re itching for one

• fail to turn and twist through the city to make the ride more interesting

• forget to smile and wave and talk to strangers!

• imagine that you are morally superior just cuz you’re on a bicycle (you’ll be in a car again soon enough)

• hesitate to tell other Massers what you think of their behavior, whether good or bad. Talk to each other!

• forget—we are all responsible to make Critical Mass what we want it to be.

Somebody told me this was "too harsh" but what can I say? It's just one person's opinion... I encouraged a lot of people I handed this to to make their own next time... we'll see...

posted in Critical Massers - 1 reply

Black Crow Bicycle Collective

Thu, 16 Feb 2006 18:53:09 GMT

I am starting a world wide bike gang, the Black Crow Bicycle Collective. There will never come a time when you will be called on to do anything outside of riding responsibly, for this collective. I am only hoping to unite the masses of like minded people in an attempt to personally effect positive change in the world regarding bicycles. If you are interested in joining you are simply accepting to ride responsibly and spread the message that bikes are tranportation too. I hope to be able to gather enough people to support a quarterly zine reporting on current member status, critical mass events, laws, etc... If you are interested please e-mail to calltoarms@mail.com. Thanks for your time

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

critical mass in Davis

hawkinsceramics — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 18:59:53 GMT

Last friday of every month meet at central park at o' 17:00.
This is a fun-oriented ride. Freaks and beautiful people abound. Feel free to dress up!

posted in Critical Massers - 1 reply

What's the best way to get word out about Critical Mass in a city that doesn't currently have them.

Tue, 31 Jan 2006 16:32:07 GMT

Opinions, stratagies, etc. welcome. Is it just a matter of fliering the town?

posted in Critical Massers - 5 replies

MET COMMISSIONER TAKEN TO COURT OVER CYCLE CLAMP-DOWN

ffiercefaggot — Sun, 22 Jan 2006 12:19:07 GMT

Friends of the Earth Press Release

Immediate release: Monday 16 January 2006

MET COMMISSIONER TAKEN TO COURT OVER CYCLE CLAMP-DOWN

More information: Phil Michaels, 020 7566 1725/ 07712 038 890 (m)

Friends of the Earth has today filed papers in the High Court seeking a
judicial review of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner's decision that
the monthly London Critical Mass Cycle Rides are unlawful.

The claimant in this key legal challenge is represented by Friends of
the Earth's Rights & Justice Centre, which provides free or affordable
legal advice and representation to help people protect the environment
and uphold their rights. The claim, which is brought by long-term
Critical Mass cyclist and environmental educator Des Kay, challenges the
Metropolitan Police's decision that the monthly cycle rides are unlawful
unless formal advance notice is given under the Public Order Act 1985.

Mr Kay, represented by Friends of the Earth’s Rights & Justice Centre
[2] argues that the monthly cycle rides are not subject to the Act
because they are not processions intended to publicise a cause or
campaign [3]. He also argues that the rides are exempted from the
legislation because they are commonly and customarily held in the area [4].

The case will be heard by the High Court later this year.

Des Kay said:
"I have cycled in the monthly Critical Mass rides for eleven years. The
monthly rides provide a great opportunity for people to cycle safely in
the capital surrounded by like-minded people, and are a real opportunity
to celebrate cycling. Critical Mass is a great institution which needs
to be protected and not declared unlawful. I hope that this case can
resolve the situation and allow us to carry on celebrating cycling in
the capital."

Friends of the Earth's Head of its Rights & Justice Centre, Phil
Michaels, said:
”This is an important case about people's right to cycle in London. The
police decision is fundamentally flawed because it is based on a
misunderstanding of the Public Order Act. We do not think that the
monthly rides need to provide advance notification. Not only does the
law not require that from these rides, but there can be no common sense
reason for requiring such notification because the police are already
aware of the rides and, indeed, provide police facilitation every month.”

NOTES:
[1] On 28 September last year Inspector Gomm handed out a notice to
participants in the ride declaring that the ride was unlawful and that
participants were subject to arrest and prosecution.

[2] Friends of the Earth's Rights & Justice Centre provides free or
affordable legal advice and representation to members of the public and
to community groups who are working to protect their environment and
uphold their rights.

[3] Section 11 of the Public Order Act 1985 only requires advance
notification for a limited class of processions being those with a
specific intent.

[4] Section 11(2) explicitly exempts all processions which are 'commonly
or customarily held in the police area'. The monthly Critical Mass Cycle
Rides have taken place every month for 12 years starting at the same
location and time (last Friday of the month, 7pm, South Bank Centre)

More information: Phil Michaels, 020 7566 1725/ 07712 038 890 (m)

Friends of the Earth press office: 020 7566 1649

--

Neil Verlander
Press Officer
Friends of the Earth
020 7566 1674
07712 843 209 (m)
www.foe.co.uk

Press office direct line: 020 7566 1649

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

New tribe for Outdoor Educators

DarklingThrush — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 03:41:16 GMT

I started a new tribe for Outdoor, Experiential, Environmental, and/or Adventure Educators. A place to share ideas and resources so we can do what we do even better. Anyone who works to get people outdoors and learning is invited. Or anyone who thinks this is a something they would like to do.

I am currently a Wilderness Instructor for Outward Bound Discovery. I have also worked for the Sierra Club, Student Conservation Association, and Sound Experience. I would love to connect with others from these organizations, but would also love to hear from some of you who have worked for others, so we can cross-pollinate (woo-hoo! lol).

http://tribes.tribe.net/outdooreducators?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B3a95e939-c843-4579-b2a2-e8cb7e01be78%5D

posted in Critical Massers - 0 replies

Vindication! NYPD infiltrates CM in NYC -NY Times

Lee — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 18:41:27 GMT

Check out today's front-page headline in the NY Times. For anyone who didn't believe it, here's some more evidence. If you can get to the site, you can see some good pictures and video too.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/22/nyregion/22police.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5094&en=10dca8926beae1ec&hp&ex=1135314000&partner=homepage

December 22, 2005
Police Infiltrate Protests, Videotapes Show
By JIM DWYER
Undercover New York City police officers have conducted covert surveillance in the last 16 months of people protesting the Iraq war, bicycle riders taking part in mass rallies and even mourners at a street vigil for a cyclist killed in an accident, a series of videotapes show.

In glimpses and in glaring detail, the videotape images reveal the robust presence of disguised officers or others working with them at seven public gatherings since August 2004.

The officers hoist protest signs. They hold flowers with mourners. They ride in bicycle events. At the vigil for the cyclist, an officer in biking gear wore a button that said, "I am a shameless agitator." She also carried a camera and videotaped the roughly 15 people present.

Beyond collecting information, some of the undercover officers or their associates are seen on the tape having influence on events. At a demonstration last year during the Republican National Convention, the sham arrest of a man secretly working with the police led to a bruising confrontation between officers in riot gear and bystanders.

Until Sept. 11, the secret monitoring of events where people expressed their opinions was among the most tightly limited of police powers.

Provided with images from the tape, the Police Department's chief spokesman, Paul J. Browne, did not dispute that they showed officers at work but said that disguised officers had always attended such gatherings - not to investigate political activities but to keep order and protect free speech. Activists, however, say that police officers masquerading as protesters and bicycle riders distort their messages and provoke trouble.

The pictures of the undercover officers were culled from an unofficial archive of civilian and police videotapes by Eileen Clancy, a forensic video analyst who is critical of the tactics. She gave the tapes to The New York Times. Based on what the individuals said, the equipment they carried and their almost immediate release after they had been arrested amid protesters or bicycle riders, The Times concluded that at least 10 officers were incognito at the events.

After the 2001 terrorist attacks, officials at all levels of government considered major changes in various police powers. President Bush acknowledged last Saturday that he has secretly permitted the National Security Agency to eavesdrop without a warrant on international telephone calls and e-mail messages in terror investigations.

In New York, the administration of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg persuaded a federal judge in 2003 to enlarge the Police Department's authority to conduct investigations of political, social and religious groups. "We live in a more dangerous, constantly changing world," Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said.

Before then, very few political organizations or activities were secretly investigated by the Police Department, the result of a 1971 class-action lawsuit that charged the city with abuses in surveillance during the 1960's. Now the standard for opening inquiries into political activity has been relaxed, full authority to begin surveillance has been restored to the police and federal courts no longer require a special panel to oversee the tactics.

Mr. Browne, the police spokesman, said the department did not increase its surveillance of political groups when the restrictions were eased. The powers obtained after Sept. 11 have been used exclusively "to investigate and thwart terrorists," Mr. Browne said. He would not answer specific questions about the disguised officers or describe any limits the department placed on surveillance at public events.

Jethro M. Eisenstein, one of the lawyers who brought the lawsuit 34 years ago, said: "This is a level-headed Police Department, led by a level-headed police commissioner. What in the world are they doing?"

For nearly four decades, civil liberty advocates and police officials have fought over the kinds of procedures needed to avoid excessive intrusion on people expressing their views, to provide accountability in secret police operations and to assure public safety for a city that has been the leading American target of terrorists.

To date, officials say no one has complained of personal damage from the information collected over recent months, but participants in the protests, rallies and other gatherings say the police have been a disruptive presence.

Ryan Kuonen, 32, who took part in a "ride of silence" in memory of a dead cyclist, said that two undercover officers - one with a camera - subverted the event. "They were just in your face," she said. "It made what was a really solemn event into something that seemed wrong. It made you feel like you were a criminal. It was grotesque."

Ms. Clancy, a founder of I-Witness Video, a project that collected hundreds of videotapes during the Republican National Convention that were used in the successful defense of people arrested that week, has assembled videotape of other public events made by legal observers, activists, bystanders and police officers.

She presented examples in October at a conference of defense lawyers. "What has to go on is an informed discussion of policing tactics at public demonstrations, and these images offer a window into the issues and allow the public to make up their own mind," Ms. Clancy said. "How is it possible for police to be accountable when they infiltrate events and dress in the garb of protesters?"

The videotapes that most clearly disclosed the presence of the disguised officers began in August 2004. What happened before that is unclear.

Among the events that have drawn surveillance is a monthly bicycle ride called Critical Mass. The Critical Mass rides, which have no acknowledged leadership, take place in many cities around the world on the last Friday of the month, with bicycle riders rolling through the streets to promote bicycle transportation. Relations between the riders and the police soured last year after thousands of cyclists flooded the streets on the Friday before the Republican National Convention. Officials say the rides cause havoc because the participants refuse to obtain a permit. The riders say they can use public streets without permission from the government.

In a tape made at the April 29 Critical Mass ride, a man in a football jersey is seen riding along West 19th Street with a group of bicycle riders to a police blockade at 10th Avenue. As the police begin to handcuff the bicyclists, the man in the jersey drops to one knee. He tells a uniformed officer, "I'm on the job." The officer in uniform calls to a colleague, "Louie - he's under." A second officer arrives and leads the man in the jersey - hands clasped behind his back - one block away, where the man gets back on his bicycle and rides off.

That videotape was made by a police officer and was recently turned over by prosecutors to Gideon Oliver, a lawyer representing bicycle riders arrested that night.

Another arrest that appeared to be a sham changed the dynamics of a demonstration. On Aug. 30, 2004, during the Republican National Convention, a man with vivid blond hair was filmed as he stood on 23rd Street, holding a sign at a march of homeless and poor people. A police lieutenant suddenly moved to arrest him. Onlookers protested, shouting, "Let him go." In response, police officers in helmets and with batons pushed against the crowd, and at least two other people were arrested.

The videotape shows the blond-haired man speaking calmly with the lieutenant. When the lieutenant unzipped the man's backpack, a two-way radio could be seen. Then the man was briskly escorted away, unlike others who were put on the ground, plastic restraints around their wrists. And while the blond-haired man kept his hands clasped behind his back, the tape shows that he was not handcuffed or restrained.

The same man was videotaped a day earlier, observing the actress Rosario Dawson as she and others were arrested on 35th Street and Eighth Avenue as they filmed "This Revolution," a movie that used actual street demonstrations as a backdrop. At one point, the blond-haired man seemed to try to rile bystanders.

After Ms. Dawson and another actress were placed into a police van, the blond-haired man can be seen peering in the window. According to Charles Maol, who was working on the film, the blond-haired man is the source of a voice that is heard calling: "Hey, that's my brother in there. What do you got my brother in there for?"

After Mr. Browne was sent photographs of the people involved in the convention incidents and the bicycle arrests, he said, "I am not commenting on descriptions of purported or imagined officers."

The federal courts have long held that undercover officers can monitor political activities for a "legitimate law enforcement purpose." While the police routinely conduct undercover operations in plainly criminal circumstances - the illegal sale of weapons, for example - surveillance at political events is laden with ambiguity. To retain cover in those settings, officers might take part in public dialogue, debate and demonstration, at the risk of influencing others to alter opinions or behavior.

The authority of the police to conduct surveillance of First Amendment activities has been shaped over the years not only by the law but also by the politics of the moment and the perception of public safety needs.

In the 1971 class-action lawsuit, the city acknowledged that the Police Department had used infiltrators, undercover agents and fake news reporters to spy on yippies, civil rights advocates, antiwar activists, labor organizers and black power groups.

A former police chief said the department's intelligence files contained a million names of groups and individuals - more in just the New York files than were collected for the entire country in a now-discontinued program of domestic spying by the United States Army around the same time. In its legal filings, the city said any excesses were aberrational acts.

The case, known as Handschu for the lead plaintiff, was settled in 1985 when the city agreed to extraordinary new limits in the investigation of political organizations, among them the creation of an oversight panel that included a civilian appointed by the mayor. The police were required to have "specific information" that a crime was in the works before investigating such groups.

The Handschu settlement also limited the number of police officers who could take part in such investigations and restricted sharing information with other agencies.

Over the years, police officials made no secret of their belief that the city had surrendered too much power. Some community affairs officers were told they could not collect newspaper articles about political gatherings in their precincts, said John F. Timoney, a former first deputy commissioner who is now the chief of police in Miami.

The lawyers who brought the Handschu lawsuit say that such concerns were exaggerated to make limits on police behavior seem unreasonable. The city's concessions in the Handschu settlement, while similar to those enacted during that era in other states and by the federal government, surpassed the ordinary limits on police actions.

"It was to remedy what was a very egregious violation of people's First Amendment rights to free speech and assemble," said Jeremy Travis, the deputy police commissioner for legal affairs from 1990 to 1994.

At both the local and federal level, many of these reforms effectively discouraged many worthy investigations, Chief Timoney said. "The police departments screw up and we go to extremes to fix it," Chief Timoney said. "In going to extremes, we leave ourselves vulnerable."

Mr. Travis, who was on the Handschu oversight panel, said that intelligence officers understood they could collect information, provided they had good reason.

"A number of courts decided there should be some mechanism set up to make sure the police didn't overstep the boundary," said Mr. Travis, who is now the president of John Jay College of Criminal Justice. "It was complicated finding that boundary." The authority to determine the boundary would be handed back to the Police Department after the Sept. 11 attacks.

On Sept. 12, 2002, the deputy police commissioner for intelligence, David Cohen, wrote in an affidavit that the police should not be required to have a "specific indication" of a crime before investigating. "In the case of terrorism, to wait for an indication of crime before investigating is to wait far too long," he wrote.

Mr. Cohen also took strong exception to limits on police surveillance of public events.

In granting the city's request, Charles S. Haight, a federal judge in Manhattan, ruled that the dangers of terrorism were "perils sufficient to outweigh any First Amendment cost."

New guidelines say undercover agents may be used to investigate "information indicating the possibility of unlawful activity"- but also say that commanders should consider whether the tactics are "warranted in light of the seriousness of the crime."

Ms. Clancy said those guidelines offered no clear limits on intrusiveness at political or social events. Could police officers take part in pot-luck suppers of antiwar groups, buy drinks for activists? Could they offer political opinions for broadcast or publication while on duty but disguised as civilians?

Mr. Browne, the police spokesman, declined to answer those questions. Nor would he say how often - if ever - covert surveillance at public events has been approved by the deputy commissioner for intelligence, as the new guidelines require.

posted in Critical Massers - 3 replies