Cyclists under threat of arrest

[Sadie]

Another part of our freedom and civil liberties being eradicated. It's not us this time, but the pedal cyclists, but take heed and remember:

'They came for the Jews, and I did not speak out, they came for the Communists and I did not speak out, they came for the catholics, and I did not speak out, they came for the gypsies and I did not speak out, and then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me'. Pastor Martin Niemöller


https://www.bikebiz.co.uk/daily-news/article.php?id=6111

[Adam_P]

[sickpup]

Nice piece bad choice of event. Should we forget the few car drivers and motorcycle couriers who have been attacked?

In this case I think they have bought it on themselves. Are they still linked with reclaim the streets? Do they still try and block off roads to traffic or swarm around cars hitting them? Two sides to every story.

[lilredmachine]

Make them pay road tax first, then they can complain.
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Bikes: too many, too much for one man to maintain anyway.

[map]

Strangely I can sort of see a police point of view here, especially in this time of terrorist attacks
A sudden unexpected and to them, unplanned, gathering of people may make them look in the wrong direction while someone else puts a bomb or two here and there.

Having said that, I was under the impression that freedom of speech and the ability to protest, even if it is spontanious, was what the British believed in. It's the sort of thing people had fought and died for to uphold. So to deny, restrict or outlaw it would be an insult and an injustice to all those people and their descendants.

It does appear the police are sneeking in a lot of things under the 'terrorism act'. This would appear to include things that they already have the power to do but would take time, planning and paperwork.

Yes there are two sides to the story. When I've seen both I may comments again. Mind you, I am aware how ruthless the pushbike organisations and how fanatical the people can be. It is these people who don't seem to want a two wheeled transport (powered and manual) policy. IMO it always appears to be their way or no way. That's hardly a position where compromise and understanding can prosper.


Just some thoughts

P.S. I also love the irony

[Liono]

[Dom]

[Kickstart]

Hi

I have very little sympathy with the militant cyclists, but I object strongly to heavy handed legislation and tactics to prevent them.

Sure some of those participating are violent idiots intending to cause damage. Concentrate on those few rather than stamping on everyone.

All the best

Keith
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[Nath]

This has just reminded me that it's the last Friday of the month, and that there'll be a critical mass in Nottingham this afternoon... Not totally sure where they meet but I might try and find it and join in

I think it's more about having a laugh that being militant
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Hard livin', hard luck.

[Kickstart]

[Nath]

I shall be going on my pusbike, as I finish work at 4.30 and always cycle there and back at the moment as my motorbike is of the road. Maybe some critical mass rides are militant and unpleasant, but the Nottingham one looks to be just a bit of fun.

I've found out where and when it starts and I will take my camera so's you lot can see for yourself whether it's a violent mob, or a bunch of cyclists going for a bit of a ride spreading the word that there is an alternative to cars and that cyclists have just as much right to use the roads as everyone else
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Hard livin', hard luck.

[map]

[Kickstart]

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Some of these people are dickheads. The coruiers in London are complete headcases. They really do have screws loose some of them.

Could this sort of legislation/repression not be apllied to something like Steer Fighter's Sunday though? If the Police got REALLY arsey about stuff?
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[Kickstart]

[Andy99]

I believe the police have alot of powers under the Criminal Justice Act to stop all manor of events and groups of people travelling together.
I dare say on here could tell us exactly what powers they do have relating to this or any other group meeting.
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Nothing gets the point across quite like a raised middle digit.

Just call me General Crazypaws.

[Davo]

[Kickstart]

[Teaman]

Theres always a few screw balls that ruin it for everyone else who is doing everything legally
if you are doing a club run, why would you be doing it through the city of london?

anyway. I think the laws in this country arnt tough enough (well most arnt) too many loop holes but then theres always the incitement to riot
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There is no point in ranting about someone stupid because there is nothing u can do about it. There is no cure for stupid.
Someone stupid does not realise they r stupid.stupidity is indistinguishable from malice U just have to accept that some people are thick as p1gsh1t and work around them.

[Kickstart]

[Nath]

Just got back from the critical mass in Nottingham. It was good fun and there was a great atmosphere, helped by the weather being really mild. It felt like a carnival with a trailer mounted sound system, lots of chanting("Get outta yer cars, and on yer bikes!"),occasional car drivers waving and pipping their horns in support, and just everyone enjoying themselves.

Of course there were a couple of car drivers who got really pissed off and started weaving accross the road, driving dangerously close to/behind cyclists, overtaking into oncoming traffic, and one woman who even came close to running over some people at a pedestrian crossing Encountered one biker who overtook us at the first oportunity and when alongside us gave it a handful - He must of felt a right tit when he nearly lost his rear end due to being on gravel in the middle of the road (it gripped again pretty nastily as well).

All in all alot of fun, and no real sign of violent extremists or two wheeled warriors I got a few pictures, but I expect there will be a load posted on IndyMedia before I get my film developed.
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Hard livin', hard luck.

[riichy]

[True Blue]

Hasn't there always been a law against mass gatherings taking place without police/council permission? I'm sure there has been, certainly in Scotland anyway.
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[Nath]

It appears the London 'Mass' was a fantastic success with over a 1000 cyclists reclaiming London's famous streets as their own The police kept a quiet presence and did not stop the 'Mass' from riding around Parliament Square or from stopping outside Downing Street. All the police have proved is that if they try to repress small groups doing no wrong, widespread support will rise up in support of them - Last months London Critical Mass was ten times its normal size!

Below is a link to a report of the Nottingham 'Mass' which includes links to the many reports(and even videos) of the London ride. Don't forget to look at the Nottingham pictures because I'm in quite a few of them(look for a ponytail and green hi-vis vest, worn over the top of a sleevless tee-shirt in the latter pics).

https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/nottinghamshire/2005/10/326823.html
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Hard livin', hard luck.