Last Updated: Wednesday, 24 May 2006, 09:20 GMT 10:20 UK
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Cyclist in bike ride court battle
A London cyclist is to launch a high court challenge against police claims that a long-running monthly cycle ride through London is unlawful.

Critical Mass rides are part of a phenomenon in which cyclists in more than 300 cities take to the streets once a month to celebrate safe cycling.

Police say it is unlawful because they have do not have an organiser or mapped out route, and fail to give notice.

Des Kay, of Kingston, south-west London, will argue it is a procession.

His lawyers will make the case that the monthly rides are lawful because they fall within an exception for processions that are "commonly and customarily held".


The police have tried to use public order legislation to undermine a perfectly lawful and safe cycling event
Phil Michaels, Friends of the Earth

They will also say an organiser is not required and notice cannot be given to the police.

The monthly rides first took place in April 1994, and have since been held on the last Friday of every month.

However, last September police handed notices to cyclists saying that under the Public Order Act police needed to be notified of demonstrations.

At the time, police said it was not an attempt to prevent the rides from going ahead and they were committed to "facilitating lawful protests and demonstrations".

Des Kay said: "Cycling in London needs all the encouragement it can get.

"Critical Mass is an important celebration of cycling in the capital and makes a real contribution to safe cycling by giving cyclist the confidence they need."

Phil Michaels, of Friends of the Earth, whose justice centre will act for Mr Kay, said: "The police have tried to use public order legislation to undermine a perfectly lawful and safe cycling event."