LAPD and Critical Mass

September 24, 2010 at 9:15 am | Posted in Bike News | 2 Comments
Tags: Critical Mass Ride, lapd

LACBC has been part of a Bicycle Task Force that has been meeting regularly with the LAPD to discuss and work on important issues related to bicycle and LAPD relations. We are pleased to say that the relationship has been very positive.

Ever since the incident where an officer was caught on video kicking a cyclist at a Critical Mass ride in May, 2010, the LAPD and the Bicycle Task Force have been discussing how to better the relationship between the LAPD and group rides. We have been educating the LAPD on group ride culture and working on more effective ways to ensure that the group ride is safe and that the relationship is a more harmonious one.

In June, the LAPD facilitated the Critical Mass ride, which proved to be a welcome addition for many riders.  Since LAPD has become involved and attending Critical Mass rides, the numbers of riders has been steadily increasing.

Last week a group of community ride leaders and advocates met with the LAPD to discuss how to better enforce the rules of the road on group rides. On Wednesday evening, the LAPD hosted a press conference where LAPD Chief Beck, Patrick Miller (Midnight Ridazz), Carlos Morales (The Voice) and Glenn Bailey (BAC) announced that despite improved relations between cyclists and LAPD, there are a still some important rules of the road that need to be followed in order to create safer and more enjoyable rides for all.  Behaviors such as riding against traffic (1:35) or inside supermarkets are not acceptable.

At tonight’s Critical Mass ride, LAPD will start to increase enforcement and the Bicycle Tasks Force and LAPD would like to send out this important message:

Please follow the rules of the road, be safe and enjoy yourself.
No Corking – you may be cited
Do Not Run Red Lights
Do Not Create Gridlock – keep intersections clear
Follow the Rules of the Road
Stay to the Right of the Yellow Double Line

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