Critical Mass Brighton has always been an extremely postive experience. However, the party got somewhat dampened last week when the police decided to break the spirit of it all by turning up with an all round bad attitude.
Every month cyclists take to Brighton's streets to reclaim them as a space for wheels without polution. The mass of people has no leaders, a couple of sound systems and a lot of positive vibes. What has always been an energising experience for everyone involved (including passers by and interested people peering from their windows) was stiffled by the bad attitude of the Sussex Police last week.
One arrest was made and at least one fine issued for 'not having any bike lights' , to a girl with a light on her bike. Police followed on motorbikes, cutting up the group constantly. Vans and cameras followed the street party around brighton centre forcing the group to be split up at every red light, when previously the group had stuck together. Police geered and antagonised cyclists.
Although this may seem like typical behaviour, this is a recent emergence on the Brighton Critical Mass. Previously police had kept in the background and allowed the mass to safely cycle the streets. Their recent behaviour has caused the group to be segregated, leaving cyclists vulnerable to traffic. Feb saw the police halt the whole prosetion outside brighton station for 15mins claiming they were not allowed access to the public space. One officer informed a cyclist "you can't try your civil liberty crap with us". What could have tacken minutes to pass, caused major traffic jams which were then blamed on the protestors (of course).
Sort yourselves out police!
Brighton Critical Mass meets on the level at 6pm on the last friday of every month. Come and keep the party alive!
One arrest was made and at least one fine issued for 'not having any bike lights' , to a girl with a light on her bike. Police followed on motorbikes, cutting up the group constantly. Vans and cameras followed the street party around brighton centre forcing the group to be split up at every red light, when previously the group had stuck together. Police geered and antagonised cyclists.
Although this may seem like typical behaviour, this is a recent emergence on the Brighton Critical Mass. Previously police had kept in the background and allowed the mass to safely cycle the streets. Their recent behaviour has caused the group to be segregated, leaving cyclists vulnerable to traffic. Feb saw the police halt the whole prosetion outside brighton station for 15mins claiming they were not allowed access to the public space. One officer informed a cyclist "you can't try your civil liberty crap with us". What could have tacken minutes to pass, caused major traffic jams which were then blamed on the protestors (of course).
Sort yourselves out police!
Brighton Critical Mass meets on the level at 6pm on the last friday of every month. Come and keep the party alive!
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