In the week of the law lords’ final ruling on the legal status of critical mass, friday night saw around 200 cyclists brave the damp and cold to take part in the “commonly or customarily held procession” – for the third month in a row, no police directly accompanied the ride. the ride itself was mostly fun and smooth-going, but there was a collision at marble arch that marred an otherwise succesful evening.
the mass went over waterloo bridge and then along the strand to whitehall and parliament square. after a few circles there, the next stop was outside new scotland yard, where a very loud cycle sound system notified their presence to the police (along with chants of “one-nil, one-nil”). moving on past buckingham palace and round the back streets of piccadilly, there was a brief stop at piccadilly circus.
this is the third month without direct police accompaniment, and it seems each time the mass is getting better at controlling itself and other road traffic for the safety and benefit of all. it seemed that almost everyone was empowered to have a go at ‘corking’ (blocking incoming side roads at junctions to stop motor vehicles from mingling with the mass). if done firmly and politely, the road is kept clear for the whole mass to pass, and then the inconvenience to other motorists is minimised and the cyclists keep moving safely and freely. also, the front riders stopped every now and then to allow the mass to regroup. meanwhile pedestrians were often catered for and let through at crossings etc.
there were an array of different bikes too, with a couple of modern penny farthings, a very tall ‘double decker’ bike (whose rider was heard now and then shouting for people to keep moving – it was a long way down!!), there was a rickshaw, and at least two sound systems.
after a damp start, the rain held off, things were going smoothly until at marble arch, a bicycle was hit by an irate motorist who had been briefly held up by a ‘cork’ at the top of park lane and then decided to drive like a lunatic. as several cyclists went to aid, the driver at first tried to drive from the scene of the accident, then scraped his own car door by pushing it hard open against a nearby bicycle, and then assaulted the cyclist by poking him in the eye.
several riders kept the car surrounded until police arrived. the first cops were from charing cross, and they seemed to be very much on the side of the motorist, even suggesting that they’d arrest the cyclist who was assaulted! after a while some paddington officers turned up, and acted more professionally, taking details of the various witnesses, and eventually arresting and handcuffing the crazy driver.
a shout out to the cyclists that stuck around to help. next mass on boxing day – meet (as customarily!) under waterloo bridge on the south bank at 6-6.30pm (last friday of every month)
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Since 1994, London cyclists have been gathering every single month to cycle, party and assert their right to the road – the famous Critical Mass.
Amidst other police tactics aiming to break the d.i.y spirit of the event, the Police attempted to ban the ride in September 2005. The court case and obligatory appeals that ensued lasted for 3 years until the 26th of November 2008 when the Law Lords ruled in favour of London Critical Mass. A victory for London – but an unclear result for other Critical Masses around the country.
The Critical Mass bicycle ride has been going on in London since 1994 – a monthly gathering of cyclist who cycle together through London with no planned route and no defined leaders or organisers.
In September 1995, the police effectively tried to ban Critical Mass by claiming it was an illegal procession, and that the organisers had to inform the police of the route ahead of the event. This is an exerpt from the leaflet they distributed on that occasion :
“…Police can impose conditions on processions, demonstrations and other assemblies, and participants render themselves liable to arrest if they fail to comply with those conditions. These cycle protests are not lawful because no organiser has provided police the with the necessary notification. Your participation in this event could render you liable to prosecution. Police policy in facilitating these events is currently under review…”
It may be difficult for the police to accept it, but it is a well known fact that Critical Mass has no set organisers. While some may print leaflets and others host a website, it’s a spontaneous event ; people just show up on the last Friday of the month and ride together, anyone can go at the front and suggest itenaries. Claiming that Critical Mass is organised is like claiming that traffic jams are organised. By their letter, the police refused cyclist the status of ‘traffic’ – one of Critical Mass’ aim being to show that cyclists are traffic and should be allowed to use the road as much as cars.
The October 2005 mass saw one of the biggest turnout ever in London – showing how many people care about Critical Mass, and that people would not let the police stop it. Soon after, Des Key and Friends of the Earth started a court case against the police.
The court case took several years and went up to the House of Lords before finishing, on the 26th of November 2008, ruling in favour of critical mass. The ruling stated that Critical Mass was customary, and therefore did not need to apply for permission, or to inform the police.
The ruling however suggests that Critical Mass is a procession – refusing the idea that cyclist are traffic. As such it is not clear how the ruling may be used in the future for people setting up new Critical Masses around the UK who will not be able to claim these are customary events.
Police has been a regular feature at Critical Mass for the past 3 or 4 years – occasionaly protecting cyclists from angry drivers, but always trying to manage the ride, shouting at people who tried to do it themselves and generally being intimidating towards people who showed any form of initiative. The police were trying to transform Critical Mass into something they could understand : an event where participants are sheepish and simply do as the organisers tell them to do.
It is unclear whether it is related to this judgment, the leaving of Ian Blair or other internal police matters, but the police has not been at Critical Mass for the past two months. Now that the judgement has ruled in favor of Critical Mass, they have even less of a reason for showing up – and we are going to have to re-learn how to manage this event ourselves properly.
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Exeter Critical Mass – meet 12.00 on Cathedral Green on Saturday December 6th. To get in the mood come along to a screening of “We are traffic” at Exeter Phoenix on Thursday December 4th at 19.00
Thursday December 4th@ 7.00 – We are Traffic Screening –
Exeter Phoenix , Bradninch Place, Gandy St, Exeter,
We Are Traffic! chronicles the history and development of the “Critical Mass” bicycle movement– one of the most spirited and dynamic social/political movements of the apathetic 90’s. In over 200 cities in 14 different countries, Critical Mass has now become a monthly ritual.
With traffic congestion, pollution, and road rage on the rise, growing numbers around the world are advocating for transportation alternatives, and Critical Mass is at the cutting edge of this mindset.
Showing in the Black Box Film, everyone welcome to stay after to talk about future events/critical masses etc and maybe for a drink at Northbridge Inn
Snacks provided – feel free to bring more snacks though!
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Exeter Critical Mass – Saturday 6th December @ 12.00 Cathedral Green, Exeter –
Xmas Theme optional – decorate your bikes!
WHAT’S IS ALL ABOUT?
Critical Mass is often described as an ‘unorganised coincidence’. It happens when a lot of cyclists happen to be in the same place at the same time and decide to cycle the same way together for a while
WHAT’S THE PURPOSE?
“Everyday, all over the world, people are resisting the problem culture of the car by getting on their bikes and riding, instead of driving.
Critical Mass is a celebration of the alternatives to cars, pollution, accidents and the loss of public spaces and freedoms.
Not an organisation or group, but an idea or tactic, Critical Mass allows people to reclaim cities with their bikes, just by getting together and out-numbering the cars on the road”
WHAT HAPPENS ON A CRITICAL MASS?
Each one is different and they follow no set route, with the direction being spontaneously chosen as people cycle along. Anyone is free to join or leave the ride as it pedals along.
The ride lasts no more than a couple of hours (depending on the weather!) and usually ends in a conveniently placed pub for more drinks.
Most all, they are peaceful, safe and fun!
DO I NEED A BIKE?
Nope! Critical Mass is not just for bikes – skateboards, roller blades, wheelchairs, pogo sticks – in fact any form of non-motorised, non-polluting are all very welcome!