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There have been many conflicts involving Critical Mass participants and non-participants during the Critical Mass protest bicycling events. Some of the most noteworthy conflicts have involved motorists or have escalated to require police presence.

Contents

• 1 Conflicts with motorists
  • 1.1 March 2007 San Francisco, California
  • 1.2 May 2007, Berkeley, California
  • 1.3 July 2008 Seattle
• 2 Conflicts with authorities
  • 2.1 New York City
    • 2.1.1 2004 RNC Convention, New York City
  • 2.2 San Francisco, California
    • 2.2.1 July 1997 San Francisco
  • 2.3 September 2005 London
  • 2.4 Seattle, June 2006
  • 2.5 Vilnius, Lithuania
  • 2.6 August 2007 Minneapolis
  • 2.7 Chicago, Illinois
  • 2.8 Oakland, California
  • 2.9 Eugene, Oregon
  • 2.10 Honolulu, Hawaii
  • 2.11 Buffalo, NY
• 3 References

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Conflicts with motorists

Critics have claimed that Critical Mass is a deliberate attempt to obstruct automotive traffic and cause a disruption of normal city functions, asserting that individuals taking part in Critical Mass refuse to obey the vehicular traffic laws that apply to cyclists the same as they do to drivers of other vehicles.

In California’s San Francisco Bay Area, there have been several incidents of conflict during Critical Mass events. Similar conflicts have arisen during critical mass rides in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Seattle, Washington.

March 2007 San Francisco, California

On the evening of March 30, 2007 monthly ride in San Francisco, a bicycle rider was arrested on felony (later reduced to misdemeanor) charges in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood for denting a limousine using a bicycle lock. The limousine driver told police he got out of his car to talk to two cyclists who allegedly blocked his path. After briefly exchanging words with one of the cyclists, the limousine driver said he grabbed one of the cyclists’ bikes and tried to pull it out of the way. He then got back into his limo in hopes of going around the riders. Before he could move, however, the limousine driver said another cyclist smacked into the front driver’s side of his car, then punched the hood with a u-shape bicycle lock, denting it. The cyclist, however, told police officers that he only hit the limo with his lock after the driver had gunned his engine. During the incident, one of the limousine’s tires was slashed and the driver’s car keys were stolen.

Near the end of the ride that evening, near the Japan Center and Western Addition neighborhoods, a resident of Redwood City, California tried to drive through the mass of bicycle riders. An eyewitness claimed to have observed the driver strike a cyclist and flee the scene of the accident before cyclists chased after and surrounded her vehicle.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, in April 2007, requested that Critical Mass riders “police themselves.” “It does the bicycle-advocacy community no good to have people that are aggressive and dispirit the entire movement,” Newsom said. “I would encourage the bicycle coalition to say, ‘Look, we don’t put up with this, enough is enough.’”

May 2007, Berkeley, California

On May 11, 2007, a similar incident occurred in Berkeley, California.

July 2008 Seattle

On July 25, 2008 Critical Mass participants prevented a motorist from driving his automobile from a curbside parking space into a group of at least 100 other cyclists

A group of mass riders caught up to the vehicle, broke its rear windshield, and assaulted the motorist when he got out of his car. At least one cyclist slashed the motorist’s tires. Damage to the car was estimated at $1500.

Conflicts with authorities

New York City

Police in New York have claimed that Critical Mass bicyclists corking intersections to allow the mass of bikes to pass may delay emergency vehicles unable to move in the gridlock. Motorists driving cars on cross streets cannot practicably move over to the side of the streets in the way a bicyclist can due to the length and square footage of a car, and current traffic lane configurations on Manhattan streets which, at present, allow parking and driving of private automobiles in some areas.

On July 25, 2008, a NYC Critical Mass rider was arrested and charged with attempted assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. A video surfaced that showed NYPD officer Patrick Pogan shoving the bicyclist to the ground,

2004 RNC Convention, New York City

During the US 2004 Republican National Convention police arrested more than 250 riders after the ride caused “massive disruptions” in the city.

San Francisco, California

The San Francisco Police Department has addressed the rides with a variety of tactics in the 16 years riders have taken to the streets. Attempts to direct the rides and crack down on riders with massive arrests have failed.

July 1997 San Francisco

In 1997, the Mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown, was delayed on his way to dinner in his limousine in heavy traffic on the evening of the June 1997 San Francisco Critical Mass ride. Brown subsequently issued a “declaration of war” on San Francisco’s Critical Mass bicycle rides, calling them “a terrible demonstration of intolerance.” The reaction and extensive press coverage grew into a confrontation at the July 25, 1997 ride. The local newspapers had published a route, although many riders were hesitant about—or flatly against—cooperation with it. On Friday the Mayor tried to address the crowd at the Critical Mass ride’s Justin Herman Plaza staging area but was shouted down. The crowd of approximately 7,000 bicyclists quickly split into many parts, each being chased or monitored by police units, including helicopters. This resulted in extensive turmoil throughout the downtown area.

During the ride approximately 250 riders were arrested for unlawful assembly and jailed, allegedly after being cordoned off by lines of riot-helmeted San Francisco police officers and without being given a lawful order or chance to disperse, and had their bicycles confiscated by the police.

Bennett Hall, a professional photographer, witnessed a San Francisco police officer writing a citation for a bicyclist he claimed had committed no offense. Hall alleged that while he was photographing the event a police officer arrested him without cause and seized his camera. Another pedestrian attempted to take the camera to bring it to the San Francisco Chronicle, but was also arrested.

September 2005 London

Metropolitan Police officers with their cycles awaiting the start of Critical Mass London, April 2006.

In September 2005, Metropolitan Police in London gave out notices announcing a requirement that the organisers of the mass provide a route six days before the event. In addition, they stated that the Mass may be restricted in the future, and arrests would result if their orders were not followed. The threat was retracted when politicians and cyclist groups voiced objections. The following ride, that of October 2005, had close to 1200 participants.

One ride participant sought a declaration from the High Court of England and Wales that police need not be notified about the Critical Mass rides, in a “friendly action” in which neither side sought damages. The Court ruling

Seattle, June 2006

Two riders were arrested during the June, 2006 ride in Seattle, Washington after becoming involved in a fight with two undercover officers who the bikers confused for gang members

Vilnius, Lithuania

On July 27, 2007 in Vilnius, Lithuania, police took five critical mass participants into custody, including two minors, for not following orders to disband. At least two of them later reported to have been beaten and injured by police officers. A court case is set to take place in August.

August 2007 Minneapolis

On the August 31, 2007 ride in Minneapolis, a confrontation occurred between multiple cyclists and the city police. Many believe that the mass was outright attacked by the police officers. The initial police presence included undercover officers, three marked squad cars, a state patrol helicopter, and unmarked police vehicles. It became later known that the Ramsey County Sheriff’s department had briefed the cops about the supposed plans of RNC (Republican National Convention) protestors that were participating in the mass and falsely told them to expect violence and property destruction on this particular ride. After the arrest of a cyclist, for “riding in a snake-like manner,” numerous cyclists began chanting “let him go” and “what’s the charge.” The police put a call for help, and dozens of police officers responded, swarming in on the riders and escalating the situation by using chemical irritant, tasers, foul language, physical violence, and intimidation tactics. Minneapolis police arrested nineteen critical mass participants, including three minors (one of whom was tazed). The adults were reported to have been arrested on suspicion of rioting, a gross misdemeanor. Cases have gone to trial in 2008, and money is being raised for the defense of the five individuals (one a minor) who have been charged.

Chicago, Illinois

A cyclist at the June 27, 2008 Chicago Critical Mass is arrested for public drinking.

Police in Chicago are often seen riding with the Critical Mass to monitor the event and squad cars are seen blocking intersections to provide safe passage of the mass.

However, on August 31, 2007, seven riders in the Chicago Critical Mass were arrested on charges of obstructing traffic and disobeying police. The seven were held overnight. According to some of those arrested, they were released at various points in the late night/early morning.

Oakland, California

In July, 2007 Oakland, California Police Department officers detained a Critical Mass rider on the Oakland, California ride. The rider was cited for violating a noise ordinance for having a bicycle sound system.

Eugene, Oregon

Police in Oregon have voiced concerns that Critical Mass may delay emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, due to the traffic disruption.

Honolulu, Hawaii

At dusk on March 28, 2008 Honolulu Police tackled a young woman on a bike during a ride with other cyclists. The police officer’s tackle caused her to fall from her bike and hit her head on the ground. She was subsequently hospitalized. No arrests were made. The incident occurred in front of the Honolulu Police main station.

Buffalo, NY

On May 30, 2003 an incident (known locally as “Critical Massacre”) occurred in Buffalo, NY. Buffalo police stopped two cyclists for “failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.” This led to an incident in which several people were allegedly attacked by police, and resulted in nine arrests of cyclists, three convictions, including a local journalist.

References

1. ^ Gord MacFarlane (August 7, 2006). “Critical Mass protesters too critical”, Winnipeg Sun. 
2. ^ Cabanatuan, Michael; Van Derbeken, Jaxon; Vega, Cecilia M. (April 5, 2007). “Clash reignites road wars”, San Francisco Chronicle. 
3. ^ Phillip Matier, Andrew Ross (April 8, 2007). “Another run-in with Critical Mass:Shattered window of family car wasn’t only encounter — limo had harrowing clash, too”. 
4. ^ Gonzalez, Richard (April, 2007). “Bicyclists, Motorist Clash in San Francisco”, National Public Radio. Retrieved on 2 July 2007. 
5. ^ Lee, Henry, K. (May 13, 2007). “Elderly couple caught up in altercation with Critical Mass bicyclists”, San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved on 2 July 2007. 
6. ^ Rubenstein, Steve; Lee, Henry K; Zamora, Jim (April 28, 2007). “Critical Mass pedals politely through S.F.”, San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved on 2 July 2007. 
7. ^ Newsom to Critical Mass: Police yourself – Examiner.com
8. ^ Cecilia Vega (April 4, 2007). “Mayor vows ‘a good look’ at Critical Mass: Redwood City family’s van damaged after being caught up in ride”, San Francisco Chronicle. 
9. ^ a b Lee, Henry K. (May 12, 2007). “Cyclist, motorists clash in Berkeley Critical Mass”, San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved on 2 July 2007. 
10. ^ Jones, Carolyn (Tuesday, May 15, 2007). “Accounts clash on Friday’s row with bikes”, San Francisco Chronicle. 
11. ^ Cisneros, Noel (May 12, 2007). “Elderly Couple Tangles With Cyclists”, KGO-TV, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose. 
12. ^ Jones, Carolyn (Tuesday, May 15, 2007). “Accounts clash on Friday’s row with bikes”, San Francisco Chronicle. 
13. ^ Lee, Henry K. (May 13, 2007). “Elderly couple caught up in altercation with Critical Mass bicyclists”, San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved on 2 July 2007. 
14. ^ Lee, Henry K. (May 12, 2007). “Cyclist, motorists clash in Berkeley Critical Mass”, San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved on 2 July 2007. 
15. ^ “Critical Mass riders injure driver in Capitol Hill altercation”, The Seattle Times Company (July 26, 2008). 
16. ^ Castro, Hector (July 26, 2008). “Motorist clashes with bicycle protesters”, King 5 News (KONG). 
17. ^ Braun, Tom (July 27, 2008). “Photo of Tom Braun’s crushed bicycle”, Seattle Times. 
18. ^ Green, Sarah Jean (July 28, 2008). “Driver says he was provoked, but overreacted in Critical Mass incident”, Seattle Times. 
19. ^ Hahn, Elisa (April 5, 2007). “Bicycle Demonstration Turns Violent”, King 5 News (KONG). 
20. ^ Castro, Hector (July 26, 2008). “Motorist clashes with bicycle protesters”, King 5 News (KONG). 
21. ^ Hahn, Elisa (April 5, 2007). “Bicycle Demonstration Turns Violent”, King 5 News (KONG). 
22. ^ Green, Sarah Jean (July 28, 2008). “Driver says he was provoked, but overreacted in Critical Mass incident”, Seattle Times. 
23. ^ Castro, Hector (July 27, 2008). “Monthly bicycle protest marred by violence”, Seattle Post Intelligencer. 
24. ^ Spangenthal-Lee, Jonah (July 29, 2008). “Critical Error”, The Stranger. 
25. ^ Martha T. Moore (November 15, 2004). “Big pack of bikes piques police”, USA Today. 
26. ^ Weiss, Murray; Laura Italiano, Lukas I. Alpert (July 30, 2008). “Cop union’s spon on bike tackler: defends blow vs. ‘reckless’ rider”, New York Post. Retrieved on 15 August 2008. 
27. ^ “Amateur videos capture controversial NYPD actions”. The Associated Press (August 2, 2008). Retrieved on 2008-08-02.
28. ^ “Amateur videos capture controversial NYPD actions”. The Associated Press (August 2, 2008). Retrieved on 2008-08-02.
29. ^ “NYPD Bruise”. The Smoking Gun (July 29, 2008). Retrieved on 2008-07-30.
30. ^ Colleen Long (July 28, 2008). “YouTube video shows NYC officer shoving cyclist”. Associated Press. Retrieved on 2008-07-28.
31. ^ Tamer El-Ghobashy (July 25, 2008). “Video shows NYPD cop assaulting cyclist”. NY Daily News.
32. ^ John Del Signore (July 28, 2008). “Video of Cop Assaulting Cyclist at Critical Mass Ride”. Gothamist.
33. ^ Jim Dwyer (July 30, 2008). “When Official Truth Collides With Cheap Digital Technology”. New York Times. Retrieved on 2008-07-30.
34. ^ Jonathan Wald (August 29, 2004). “264 arrested in NYC bicycle protest”, CNN. Retrieved on 23 February 2008. 
35. ^ “Bray v. City of New York, 04 Civ 8255 (WHP) (USDC, SD NY, 2004″.
36. ^ “Still We Ride”. In Tandem Production.
37. ^ “NYPD Attempts To Criminalize Bike Riders Taking Part in Critical Mass”, Democracy Now (March 28, 2005). 
38. ^ Susan Palmer (May 20, 2006). “Rolling protests hit bump”. The Eugene Register-Guard.
39. ^ Susan Palmer (May 20, 2006). “Rolling protests hit bump”. The Eugene Register-Guard.
40. ^ MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour (August 29, 1997). “MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour Transcript”. PBS Public Televison.
41. ^ Erin McCormick (July 29, 1997). “Cops Say Group Bike Ride Needs Permit”. San Francisco Examiner.
42. ^ Frank Bruni (April 27, 1998). “San Francisco Journal; In Utopia of Bicyclists, Cars Are King of the Road No More”. New York Times.
43. ^ Jim Herron Zamora. “Brown: Take bikes of busted cyclists”. San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved on 1997-07-27.
44. ^ Steve Lopez (August 11, 1997). “The Scariest Biker Gang Of Them All”. Time Magazine.
45. ^ Glen Martin. “S.F. Bike Chaos — 250 Arrests: 5,000 bikers snarl commute”. San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved on 1997-07-26.
46. ^ Matier, Phillip and Ross, Andrew (July 18, 1997). “Critical Chuckle”. San Francisco Chronicle.
47. ^ Anastasia Hendrix (August 1, 1997). “Mayor again criticizes Critical Mass bicycle riders”. San Francisco Examiner.
48. ^ The Associated Press (September 27, 2002). “Critical Mass protestors celebrate 10th year”. CNN – Cable News Network.
49. ^ “Assaults on pedestrians”.
50. ^ “Kay v. the Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis, EWHC 1536 (Admin)”. Royal Courts of Justice (June 27, 2006).
51. ^ “Kay v. the Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis (appeal)”. Royal Courts of Justice (May 21, 2007).
52. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7667183.stm When is a demo not a demo? Clive Coleman, BBC, Monday 13th October 2008
53. ^ Josh Feit and Sarah Mirk. “Mass Attack:Undercover County Cops Disrupt Monthly Bike Ride, Arrest Two”, The Stranger. Retrieved on 23 February 2008. 
54. ^ “Critical Mass Incident Update” (July 11, 2006). Retrieved on 23 February 2008. 
55. ^ http://dviratis.org/#vilnius (in Lithuanian)
56. ^ Sept. 1: 19 bicyclists arrested after rally turns into melee
57. ^ Minneapolis Critical Mass Arrestee Support
58. ^ Susan Palmer (May 20, 2006). “Rolling protests hit bump”, The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR). 
59. ^ http://www.mediastudy.com/articles/av5-27-04.html

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