No resolution to debate over cyclists as monthly ride approaches

[Khephra]

NEW YORK -- On the last Friday of every month, the city's abundant yellow cabs, buses and delivery trucks are briefly forced to yield to a phalanx of bicycles _ a gridlock of pedals and handlebars known as Critical Mass.

The monthly takeover has been a ritual in New York for the past few years, closely monitored by police but rarely controversial.

Until August. That's when more than 250 cyclists were taken into custody during a ride days before the Republican National Convention, igniting a struggle between cyclists and police that continues to play out on the streets and in court.

The police department is now trying to block the rides unless cyclists get a permit. But participants say there is no formal organization to apply for one and that a permit isn't needed because bicycles have the same right to the streets as cars do.

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/ny-bc-ny--criticalmass1125nov25,0,6950502.story?coll=ny-ap-regional-wire

[genieroze]

1. We can't have people riding bicycles when they need cars to

pay B*sh's buddies in the oil companies

[flying_blind]

3. I am *through* with sending my money into the petro-terror-bush milieu

http://www.greasecar.com/profiles_list.cfm

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. What would be nice

is if everyone in the cars kept them home and biked that day, in solidarity with Critical Mass.

[AndyTiedye]

4. How Are They Going to Carry All Those Xmas Presents on a Bike?

It's THAT Friday. Most of the people on the roads won't be commuting, they'll be shopping.
Perhaps all the more reason to have Critical Mass that day.

The CM'ers should be prepared to be buttonholed by parents
who are looking for advice on what bike to get their kid.