Critical Mass gone BAD!!

[thomas]

Saw a similar clip with a police van mowing through a crowd of people at the Egyptian riots. Not pretty.

 

[downfader]

Saw a similar clip with a police van mowing through a crowd of people at the Egyptian riots. Not pretty.

I saw the same with Lybian and middle eastern protests last year. These things never fail to shock or upset me. Atleast with this theres a chance there might be a little justice. Brazil has some horrific jails, and the driver will most probably be doing everything he can to avoid being caught.

 

[Ravenbait]

He's claiming self defence, apparently. Protecting his son.

http://road.cc/31482

Sam

 

[PBancroft]

Driver to claim self defense. Naturally. http://road.cc/content/news/31482-b...efence-over-critical-mass-carnage-says-lawyer

 

[gb155]

Just seen this, was preying it was fake

Feel SICK now I know its not.

 

[just jim]

That was utterly shocking viewing- instantaneous horror. I hope the scars heal for those people.

 

[Jezston]

WTF Claiming SELF DEFENCE?!? Disgusting little ****er! Talk about adding insult to injury!

 

[Norm]

Trying to get something good from it, I'm gratified and impressed that no-one was killed in that. Car legislators and designers, unwittingly, saved a lot of lives that day.

It's the stuff that goes over us that we need to worry most about.

As for the driver, I'm sure Brazilian jail will be a good place for him to cogitate for a few years.

 

[661-Pete]

An appalling thought keeps coming to my mind.

Could it happen here?

Yes I know full well, a murderous attack on cyclists is a murderous attack on cyclists, whichever part of the world it occurs in, but forgive me for turning my thoughts to nearer home...

I haven't been to a CM for some years, but I'm sure many on this forum have...

 

[Jezston]

Yes it could, and if this driver doesn't get the book thrown at him then it would set a highly dangerous precedent. With the right wing press continuously presenting cyclists as lycra louts, peaceful protesters as rioting hooligans, popular people like Jeremy Clarkson calling for us to be killed, dangerous selfishness on our roads increasingly championed, and punishment for life threatening behaviour rare and menial, then I'd say incidents like this becoming increasingly common. And largely tolerated.

 

[HLaB]

The bbc are reporting that amazingly only 9 were hospitalised and they've been discharged.

They are also reporting that 'self defence' excuse. Even if it was true would you think about ploughing straight ahead through the so called danger or reversing as fast as possible out of the way?

 

[punkedmonkey]

This is pretty shocking - especially the raw footage, and I seriously hope everyone recovers quickly . Sadly it seems that conflict / aggression at CM events is not uncommon - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflicts_involving_Critical_Mass

I guess the problem with CM is that it tends to promote the cyclist versus xyz mentality over the real problem good versus bad road user (stolen quote from someone on here, but I think it sums it up pretty well).


(Apologies for posting in the wrong place before! Forgive me moderators...)

 

[Mark_Robson]

Self defence my arse!! If you were at the back of a ride and concerned for your safety you would put the car into reverse and let the cyclists go on their merry way. You certainly wouldn't plough through them.
The man is a complete psycho.

 

[Hacienda71]

I am not sure how much faith I have in the Brazilian police. I know they are corrupt through experience and it would not surprise me if there isn't a prosecution for anything serious . Sorry to be a cynic but knowing Brazil well you see things happen that you just wouldn't see in the UK.

 

[darkstar]

Self Defense? Surely that wont hold up in court?