As usual, the December London ride passed off successfully and uneventfully without a police retinue. Despite bad weather there was an estimated turnout of 150 cyclists. This begs the question why are the police needed at all on the other eleven rides of the year when they can't be bothered on the 12th? Are they really there to intimidate and discourage people from attending the ride and not to help and protect them as they often claim?
In September 2005 the police issued this warning to London CM participants:
"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."
Fortunately the police were defeated in court on the following May 2006 but the suspicion remains that they 'have it in' for CM.
http://www.criticalmasslondon.org.uk
http://www.criticalmass.org.uk
"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."
Fortunately the police were defeated in court on the following May 2006 but the suspicion remains that they 'have it in' for CM.
http://www.criticalmasslondon.org.uk http://www.criticalmass.org.uk
