Both the Green Party members of the London Assembly have promised toshow their solidarity with fellow London cyclists by attending thenext Critical Mass ride on Friday 28th October, regardless of whetherit is deemed illegal. Jenny Jones, a member of the Metropolitan PoliceAuthority, has written to the Commissioner, Ian Blair, to protest. Shesaid:
"The police should be catching criminals, rather than making up stupidlaws which turn innocent people into criminals. This is a lively, butpeaceful get-together of cyclists which has been going on for over adecade without any major incidents. Arresting these cyclists would belike arresting a group of passengers for gathering at Westminster tubestation during the rush hour. The Government has created this law in afailed attempt to silence Brian Haw’s protest against the Iraq war inParliament Square and now the police are stretching the same law tocover this bike ride which passes through the area."
"This cycle ride is one of the most enjoyable parts of London life formany cyclists. It is an informal gathering of human powered vehicles.It has no route, banners or slogans. It is more an affirmation ofLondon 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, contactIan 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 policeat least 6 days before the event occurs of the date, time, proposedroute and the name and address of an organiser. Failure to do so makesthe event unlawful
Demonstrations within a designated area around Parliament must also benotified, and anyone taking part in an unauthorised demonstrationcommits an offence.
Police can impose conditions on processions, demonstrations and otherassemblies, and participants render themselves liable to arrest ifthey fail to comply with those conditions.
These cycle protests are not lawful because no organiser has providedpolice the with the necessary notification. Your participation in thisevent could render you liable to prosecution. Police policy infacilitating these events is currently under review.
If you intend to organise a future similar event please refer to theMetropolitan Police website, www.met.police.uk for details. It ispreferable for all parties if a lawful event can be safelyfacilitated, rather than the Police having to enforce legislation.
(signed)
Super Intendent Gomm,
New Scotland Yard