Critical Mass = Legal

A slightly more subtle, yet infinitely more important consequence of this ruling is that the plod have had their wrists firmly slapped for trying to hi jack a piece of legislation and use it in a manner never intended by parliament.
Over the last decade or so our boys in blue have been “creatively” interpreting statutes and bending them to suit whatever purpose their non elected leaders deem as “good for the people”

I am pleased that critical mass can now go ahead unmolested, but I am even more pleased that the highest court in the land has fired a shot across plods bow.

Toodle pip

A slightly more subtle, yet infinitely more important consequence of this ruling is that the plod have had their wrists firmly slapped for trying to hi jack a piece of legislation and use it in a manner never intended by parliament.
Over the last decade or so our boys in blue have been “creatively” interpreting statutes and bending them to suit whatever purpose their non elected leaders deem as “good for the people”

It's a good job that the Ways and Means Act is drafted more carefully so that the Law Lords will never be able to spoil the fun.

Ah, the good old Ways and Means Act 1875. I do believe it was repealed about the same time the Met disbanded the SPG.
Or is it still alive and kicking innocent heads in?

Toodle pip

Critical Mass is just an excuse for a bunch of hipster to show everyone how hip they are.

this is by far the best thread i've read on here concerning CM.

I have been on a few like most people here. The times I have been and the thing has kept moving I have really enjoyed it. Other times it's been borderline embarassing: riding incessantly round in circles to deliberately cause a nuisance etc. I remember this couple, who were sat in there car for ages whilst being swamped by cyclists, who got out to complain that they had to get somewhere and instantly got heckled, abused and probably intimidated. This, to my mind, is completely counter-productive and cretinous generally.

At it's best, CM is a joyful and defiant jaunt which really does raise awareness blah blah blah, but sometimes it seems to do nothing but reinforce the idea that cyclists are disrespectful, careless and a danger to themselves and everyone else around them.

That said, I'm always so happy to see the amazed, smiley looks of bystanders who don't know what the fuck is going on. I like to think that they might be inspired to get their bikes out.

Critical Mass is just an excuse for a bunch of hipster to show everyone how hip they are.

Have you seen the people on critical mass? ever been?! I'm pretty sure my grandma was on it last time, naked.

Have you seen the people on critical mass? ever been?! I'm pretty sure my grandma was on it last time, naked.

I think I remember her.

My issue with Critical Mass (admittedly more so in my hometown of Jacksonville, FL... not seen it in London) has always been the way it is used to pretty much flout traffic laws and be assholes. I think everyone should ride a bike, but that doesn't mean I think cyclists have priority. Share the road means share the road. I can't stand it when cyclists just ignore the rules and act like they're so fucking special because they ride a bike.

And in my hometown, Critical Mass rides became an excuse for a bunch of Scenearchists to get together and show everyone how cool they were b/c they had fixed gear bikes and matching outfits. Then they'd all retire to a nice vegan meal afterwards. All this, of course, was bankrolled by their parents.

I think I remember her.

My issue with Critical Mass (admittedly more so in my hometown of Jacksonville, FL... not seen it in London) has always been the way it is used to pretty much flout traffic laws and be assholes. I think everyone should ride a bike, but that doesn't mean I think cyclists have priority. Share the road means share the road. I can't stand it when cyclists just ignore the rules and act like they're so fucking special because they ride a bike.

And in my hometown, Critical Mass rides became an excuse for a bunch of Scenearchists to get together and show everyone how cool they were b/c they had fixed gear bikes and matching outfits. Then they'd all retire to a nice vegan meal afterwards. All this, of course, was bankrolled by their parents.

Cool. But this is *London *FGSS, and this does not really apply here.

Thanks for that. But I did say 'Critical Mass' in my original post, not 'London Critical Mass.' And last time I checked, not everyone on this forum lived in London.

My parents are unaware that I go on CM and, very sadly, gave up bankrolling me decades ago. I do not eat vegan food. At my age it is liable to cause wind.

I go on CM because it is a good laugh and a pleasant way to spend a Friday evening with friends and to meet all sorts of cyclists and Londoners.

Where is the CM in the original article? What is the title of the forum? Where do most people on the forum live?

The name of the forum gives that away though, pal.

On London's CM there is an element of what our Floridan friend mentions. But this is negated by the joy of it such as Mr Blackfoot mentions above, that I found so hard to verbalise, but likened to our night ride culture too... its a liberating experience, and worth going along sometime, whatever the trustafarian critique has to offer. Wouldn't it be boring if we were all doing it for the same reason? Its a 'broad church'.

Fair enough... and yes, I realise the article was referring to CM in London (although I'd imagine it would have legal ramifications throughout England and Wales). I was expressing an opinion about CM in general (based, as I admitted, on my experiences in the US); however, regardless of the (apparent) inaccuracy of the 'hipster' stereotype vis a vis CM in London, I still take issue with many of the aims/tactics of CM in general. I don't agree with blocking traffic and I think it does more to tarnish the image of cyclists in public minds than it does to raise awareness.

The name of the forum gives that away though, pal.

On London's CM there is an element of what our Floridan friend mentions. But this is negated by the joy of it such as Mr Blackfoot mentions above, that I found so hard to verbalise, but likened to our night ride culture too... its a liberating experience, and worth going along sometime, whatever the trustafarian critique has to offer. Wouldn't it be boring if we were all doing it for the same reason? Its a 'broad church'.

I think perhaps I've come off as being a bit defensive in my replies, but that wasn't intended. (Of course I'm going to say that, though).

I can't see anything wrong with going out for a bike ride. But I don't think riding a bike should be some sort of competition. Unless, of course, you're racing or something.

I realise the article was referring to CM in London (although I'd imagine it would have legal ramifications throughout England and Wales).

Not necessarily. Parliament and the Government are in London. Different rules and different political/policing considerations apply.

England and Wales! Check you out. Not a lot of people HERE know that the law is a different animal in Scotland.

As you can probably tell there are a lot of people here who would agree that traffic-antagonising behaviour isn;t why we go. I'd actually like to see the Mass only occupy the left-hand lane (don;t need to tell you that we drive on the left) where there are two lanes, so motor traffic can pass, if a little slower than normally, on our right. But of course there's no chance of that since organising a broad church of cyclists is akin to herding cats.

Not necessarily. Parliament and the Government are in London. Different rules and different political/policing considerations apply.

Perhaps. But this was decided by Law Lords, so it means (if I'm correct) that it was decided in the highest court of appeals in the UK. And I believe most, if not all, Police services in England and Wales are subordinate to the Home Office... so this ruling against the Met might indeed have ramifications in other areas in England and Wales.

England and Wales! Check you out. Not a lot of people HERE know that the law is a different animal in Scotland.

As you can probably tell there are a lot of people here who would agree that traffic-antagonising behaviour isn;t why we go. I'd actually like to see the Mass only occupy the left-hand lane (don;t need to tell you that we drive on the left) where there are two lanes, so motor traffic can pass, if a little slower than normally, on our right. But of course there's no chance of that since organising a broad church of cyclists is akin to herding cats.

Yeah, I know you drive on the left. I do to, since I live in London now. I still catch myself drifting to the right from time to time, though. Pretty scary or at least embarrassing.

Perhaps. But this was decided by Law Lords, so it means (if I'm correct) that it was decided in the highest court of appeals in the UK. And I believe most, if not all, Police services in England and Wales are subordinate to the Home Office... so this ruling against the Met might indeed have ramifications in other areas in England and Wales.

The police forces are local and controlled by local police authorities. The Met used to be under the aegis of the Home Office but now is under the control of the GLA police authority. (viz the dispute between former Commissioner Blair and the current Mayor)

The law laid down has implications for all E&W and probably Scotland and NI as well but the implications are considerably greater for London because no one really gives a toss about outside London.

Not so sure about Scotland and NI.

Well thank you for your learned opinion, Counsellor.

You're welcome. At least I didn't also point out that the Met is still a Home Office police force, even though it is overseen by the MPA. Oops.

I guess you don't see the irony in your statement, huh?

I need an American to explain irony to me.

Aaahhh, yummy vegan food. Perfect after CM!

Well, nothing beats a Carrot Dog.