SF planning its own Critical Mass crackdown?
Ryan Sharpe
police chief is thinking about shutting down the ride that started it
all:
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/san_francisco&id=7301302
SF police chief to crack down on Critical Mass
Amy Hollyfield
More: Bio, E-mail, News Team
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Critical Mass may be at a critical juncture in
its history. The San Francisco police chief is talking about cracking
down on a monthly bike demonstration that often ties up traffic. This
Friday night, however, police could not be happier.
It is a mass of people that causes massive problems and San Francisco
Police Chief George Gascon is questioning its existence.
"We definitely are looking at the process, evaluating it, looking at
where we can improve," said Police spokesperson Lyn Tomioka.
The idea that this could be one of the last Critical Masses in San
Francisco, delights some of the officers who have to protect it.
"I think that if we have our chief behind it and he wants to do it,
I'm sure there's going to be an end in sight," said Sgt. Neil
Swendsen.
But the bikers, who take over the city streets on the last Friday of
the month, do not think the chief stands a chance against this
movement.
"Good luck, hee, hee, hee. I don't see it happening," said "Roller
Girl" from San Francisco.
Critical Mass also got attention in New York City. A judge there ruled
that the bikers do need a parade permit and requiring one is not a
violation of their freedom of speech.
"I think it's a poor decision. I'm obviously against it, but I don't
think that means there's going to be bad things that will happen for
Critical Mass. It will find a way to exist," said biker Elijah Post.
The San Francisco police chief says he is taking a critical look at
this protest because residents complain bitterly about it.
"I think that's a bunch of people breaking the law in the city and
they should be prosecuted for it. They're making people's life
miserable," said driver Vad Shamis.
"Yes, if you're driving, I can see that it wouldn't be that fun, but
maybe you can jump out of your car and jump on a bike," said San
Francisco resident Marci Bravo.
The bicyclists block traffic and run red lights to raise awareness
about the benefits of biking. Critical Mass started in San Francisco
in 1992.
"The message is out. We're trying to be greener. The message is out.
What we don't need to continue is to punish the public with tying up
traffic. It's the wrong thing to do," said Swendsen.
"I think it's here to stay and it's something that makes San Francisco
really special," said "Roller Girl."
It also makes for a special kind of problem for the San Francisco
police chief.
(Copyright ©2010 KGO-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
--Ryan
Larry Robinson
wait until it turns green. . Must be something else I'm not getting!
Larry
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/san_francisco&id=7301302
(Copyright C2010 KGO-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
--Ryan
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