London CM (Daily Telegraph 14/9/08)

[Domestique]

Sorry if this is London specific or if its in the wrong place.

Do you need police permission to cycle down the streets now?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/new...permission-to-cycle-down-the-streets-now.html

I havent been on a CM for a over a year now, always working . I think they are good fun , but it looks as though the Police want it to end, at least in its current form

 

[zimzum42]

interesting article. I hope the courts side with CM!!!!!!!

 

[sternwood]

If I cycle through at the same time as CM could I be nicked for trying to get home?

 

[yello]

That article does highlight what a farce the law can be. I mean, it reads like the law lords will decide an issue based on the wording of the law and what constitutes "customary".

The issue, or at least a more real one as I see it, is whether the disruption that CM causes (and let's not pussyfoot around here, it does cause disruption) is acceptable and within the rights of the cyclists. Personally, I believe it is well within their rights as legally entitled road users.

 

[sternwood]

The legality or otherwise is one issue, I can see more serious problems. Say CM is banned but cyclists turn up.

Coppers: "You're nicked!"

Cyclists: "Eh? I'm going home!"

 

[biking_fox]

Probably get done under anti-terror laws. You have to have police permission to protest.

 

[ChrisKH]

Probably get done under anti-terror laws. You have to have police permission to protest.

Except the only protest you're raising is the right to get home before your dinner gets cold.

 

[mr_cellophane]

On the last Friday of every month, at the same time and in the same place, cyclists assemble in London and many other cities around the world for a mass bike-ride through the streets. There is no pre-determined route, end-time or destination: the cyclists never end up in same place twice.

Twice a day, at the same time and in the same place, motorists assemble around the M25 for a mass commute . There is no pre-determined end-time or destination: the motorists never end up in same place twice.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

If you’ve got the time – here’s Mark Thomas’ take on the Serious Organised Crime & Police Act – and how to apply for permission to demonstrate.

His first demonstration (for which he has to apply to the police for permission for) is to demonstrate against having to get permission to demonstrate – IMHO it just gets funnier from then on.

In three parts – total 30mins


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRGZr2m4r7M&feature=related

 

[dondare]

I went on a London CM once, the police (on bikes) were leading it and so it was they who determined where it went. I don't know if this is always what happens and I don't know if the police knew themselves where they were going. They set a pretty slow pace and I heard that someone who tried to ride in front of them was charged with something or other, but I can't remember what.
The police did not stop at any red lights.

 

[nilling]

Mark Thomas is fantastic live - I saw this show

 

[cheadle hulme]

I went on a London CM once, the police (on bikes) were leading it and so it was they who determined where it went.

The people immediately behind the police could slyly turn off whilst they weren't looking.