Last Friday represented for most a particularly exciting party night, given Halloween’s approach. For those who chose to participate in Critical Mass, the monthly event in which bikes, tricycles, recumbents and tandems take the streets, greater excitement was more felt than planned. After 25 minutes of collective riding, two police cars pulled up and attempted to disband the peaceful demonstration. When riders refused to discontinue, more cop cars pulled up ahead of the group and proceeded to yank bicyclists from their mounts without any verbal or physical provocation, and write out a number of tickets – many exceeding $200.
On Friday, I rode near the front of our bike “flotilla,” which caused a brief, though certainly frustrating, wait for drivers unlucky enough to be caught at an intersection as our group crossed. That said, I always find the number of supportive drivers we encounter surprising and heartening. At the first police car’s approach, I was admittedly dismayed because I did not want a clash with city authorities. I see it as being in the city’s interest to be open to non-violent critique of local, national and international decisions. Furthermore, it would add to Eugene’s image as a progressive and bike-friendly town, where its police and citizens are more than willing to permit (if not respect) the infrequent impairment of traffic flow in order to make a statement and maintain a now well-established bicyclist’s tradition.
My nervousness increased when the loud and demanding tone of sirens rang out and more cop cars pulled up directly ahead. After swerving around this rather dramatic blockade, I proceeded to (and I am slightly ashamed of it) hurry from the immediate premises. Later I heard that a girl with whom I am acquainted and who rode several paces behind me, was forcibly torn from her bicycle by an angry policeman. After the greater part of the mass reassembled and continued on its way, the decision to leave was reconsidered in light of the need for solidarity with those receiving heavy fines and threats of arrest for nebulous charges of “disorderly conduct,” or noncooperation with the police’s arbitrary demands. Some of those who returned in smaller groups to the “scene of the crime,” I am told, were fined and handcuffed merely for being present – without any evidence of wrongdoing.
While on the road, a friend and I were very nearly run down by an enraged and impatient driver who then proceeded to weave between other cars up ahead, driving above the speed limit. This “gentleman” certainly received no interest from the police. Instead, numerous cyclists received heavy fines for traffic violations that caused nothing but a two-minute wait or detour.
Critical Mass means something different and unique among its many participants. As there is no specific charter or organization, riders use the opportunity for a variety of reasons – commonly to protest the use of cars and other causes of environmental damage, but also to oppose the Iraq War and other questionable aspects of U.S. foreign and domestic policy. Most also ride for fun. For many, Critical Mass is a matter of pride – an opportunity for bike riders to claim dignity for their chosen or only option for transportation. Whether they ride for pleasure or to commute, all are welcome, and Critical Mass draws participants from all ages and backgrounds.
I am familiar with the arguments against bicyclist activism – “bike lanes should be enough,” “bicyclists can obstruct urgent commute and/or emergency vehicles,” etc. However, bicyclists can make room for ambulances with far greater ease than a car, and many roads (even here in Eugene) lack bike lanes. Road disputes should be discussed and resolved in appropriate venues – not through police hostility played out as “cop-and-robber” melodrama in the streets.
Jonathan Irwin is a University student.