Critical Mass London: last friday of the month South Bank by National Theatre, 6.30pm

Just back from my first CM. We scooted off after St Pauls the second time round and headed to the kebab shop on The Cut for a feed.

Incidents:

Very long stop on Fleet St, caused by a taxi, I think.

Group of lads in a Hummer limo getting out and in the face of plenty of riders, then after they got back in, a stranger, not on the ride, started throwing things through the open window and trying
to throw punches. Well done to the guy on the small folder (?) who held him back and stopped things getting worse.

Very aggressive motorbike who pushed into bikes and forced his way through some strong corking then sped off down the road at a ridiculous speed

Arrest of one guy by three cops. Not sure what he was arrested for, just a show of force and an example I think.

Overall, I'm not sure CM is really a force for good. It seems more like a way for lots of cyclists to get some of their frustration out once a month, whether actively or passively, by causing a large amount of disruption to motor vehicle drivers. It doesn't promote cycling in a particularly positive light, and causes lots of people to become pissed off with us.

This sums it up

It's gone beyond awareness and good cause now