Skip to content or view screen version

DSEi Critical Mass

Raif | 11.09.2003 07:59 | DSEi 2003 | Anti-militarism | London

A report back and photos from the critical mass cycle ride which coincided with the protests against DSEi

Photos are 'copyleft' only in relation to radical and progressive non-profit use.

Moving off from Bank
Moving off from Bank

David Blaine considers ending his confinement stunt to join the protest
David Blaine considers ending his confinement stunt to join the protest

Even Critical Mass has to wait when Tower Bridge is up
Even Critical Mass has to wait when Tower Bridge is up

New buildings and old are livened up by the cycle sound system
New buildings and old are livened up by the cycle sound system

Indecision on the congestion charge boundary
Indecision on the congestion charge boundary

Riding with lots of public support through Whitechapel in the East End
Riding with lots of public support through Whitechapel in the East End

Crossing the River Lea with Canary Wharf behind
Crossing the River Lea with Canary Wharf behind

One cyclist makes his point outside ExCel while pondering his next move
One cyclist makes his point outside ExCel while pondering his next move


Almost two hundred cyclists set off at 9am from Bank junction, heart of the City of London where many arms companies obtain their capital. Amongst them were twenty police cyclists, three sound systems, a bubble machine and also people on foot, on skateboards and in wheelchairs. With so many streets leading into Bank, after everyone moved off the pavement it did take the critical mass some time to decide which way to go. The City was brought to a standstill by the colourful procession filling the sky with its unique mix of tunes, bubbles and anti-DSEi confetti.

After crossing the Thames at London Bridge, the mass then turned back over Tower Bridge, only to find it open for a sailing boat catching the tide out. After further indecision on the major junction on the north side of Tower Bridge (on the congestion charge boundary), everyone moved off to Aldgate then east past the edge of Banglatown to the Docklands. Leaflets were handed out to passers-by, other cyclists and those in vehicles with much support, while some shouted slogans against the arms industry and DSEi.

Security guards at Canary Wharf blocked the road refusing passage claiming they could say what they wanted as the area was private property and there was no right to demonstrate there. Police happily reinforced their ranks acting for free as heavies against those peacefully protesting for peace; trespass is only a civil not a criminal matter.

The mass ended up just after noon outside the south side of Connaught Bridge where a police line blocked further progress though a few managed to make a dash for it. The mass then diverged as seamlessly as it had converged though many of those protesting later in the day had cycles with them and used them to their advantage.

Raif
- Homepage: http://www.citycyclists.org.uk