7th Oct 2005
Police threat to monthly bike ride
The Metropolitan Police are threatening to use new legislation to crack down on the Critical Mass bike ride which has been held every month for the last eleven years. At the beginning of the September ride, many of the cyclists were handed letters by police officers, to inform them that "participation in the event could render you liable to prosecution." The letter also said that the police were reviewing their policy of facilitating the event by providing an escort of police on bikes.
Both the Green Party members of the London Assembly have promised to show their solidarity with fellow London cyclists by attending the next Critical Mass ride on Friday 28th October, regardless of whether it is deemed illegal. Jenny Jones, a member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, has written to the Commissioner, Ian Blair, to protest. She said:
"The police should be catching criminals, rather than making up stupid laws which turn innocent people into criminals. This is a lively, but peaceful get-together of cyclists which has been going on for over a decade without any major incidents. Arresting these cyclists would be like arresting a group of passengers for gathering at Westminster tube station during the rush hour. The Government has created this law in a failed attempt to silence Brian Haw's protest against the Iraq war in Parliament Square and now the police are stretching the same law to cover this bike ride which passes through the area."
"This cycle ride is one of the most enjoyable parts of London life for many cyclists. It is an informal gathering of human powered vehicles. It has no route, banners or slogans. It is more an affirmation of London life on two wheels, rather than a demonstration."
Contact:
Ian Wingrove - press officer.
Ian.Wingrove@london.gov.uk
City Hall
The Queen's Walk
London
SE1 2AA
Notes for Editors
1) For a copy of the letter from Jenny to the Commissioner, contact Ian Wingrove
2) The letter handed out to cyclists at the September Critical Mass event, is as follows:
Metropolitan Police Service
CO11 Public Order Branch
New Scotland Yard
Broadway
London
SW11 OBG
Your reference: -
Our reference: -
Date: 29/09/2005
Critical Mass Cycle Demonstrations
Organisers of public processions are required by law to notify police at least 6 days before the event occurs of the date, time, proposed route and the name and address of an organiser. Failure to do so makes the event unlawful
Demonstrations within a designated area around Parliament must also be notified, and anyone taking part in an unauthorised demonstration commits an offence.
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.
If you intend to organise a future similar event please refer to the Metropolitan Police website, www.met.police.uk for details. It is preferable for all parties if a lawful event can be safely facilitated, rather than the Police having to enforce legislation.
(signed)
Super Intendent Gomm,
New Scotland Yard
