(Photos: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)
Tonight’s Critical Mass ride was a blast. I took Eleni in the trailer and we had a great time. Warm breeze, a great route (over the Ross Island Bridge!), some well-chosen music (thank you boom-box bike guy) and a fun group of people all contributed to the good vibe.
I hate to mention the cops, but I think it’s ridiculous that they even show up anymore. I actually feel embarrassed for them because they had nothing to do…and you know what happens when cops get bored…they find something to do.
Bottom line is that having the cops at Critical Mass is a big waste of taxpayer money and a waste of law enforcement resources that could be put to more necessary tasks. Cops are also a deterrant to more families and other cyclists who would join the ride if it weren’t for their intimidating presence. Eleni was the only kid on the ride (she’s 2 and 1/2)…and I know there are a ton of families that would show up if there were no cops.
So Mayor Potter, Commissioner Sam, is there any way you can call off the dogs for next month’s ride? It’s sort of ironic that we’re hoping to be the first Platinum level bicycle friendly city, yet we can’t even go on bike ride without the boys in blue watching over us.
By the way, feel free to peruse all my photos below. Don’t miss the Xylo-bike, the mini-bikes, the boom-box bike, the assorted personalities and other fun craziness. See you out there next month!
Contact Jonathan at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.
I just read a nightmare story the other day where a police officer knocked a child trailer over during a CM, so I can understand parents’ reluctance to bring their children on these kinds of things.
Here’s a photo I took of our local (and friendly) bike patrol last night.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bike/37519687/
Many many bikes at this Friday night festival.
I moved my family to Portland just over a month ago, partially because of the bike scene. We would love to ride a Critical Mass, but are wary of the rather large police presence.
This seems like a peaceful thing. Did something happen in the past? What gives?
Brad:
Welcome to Portland! Thanks for your comment. Critical Mass is a peaceful thing and you would have a great time if you came to the next one. However I understand your concern with the police presence.
I’m not an authority on Portland’s CM history, but I have put out an email to some folks in the bike community who know more. From what I have heard things went very well without cops for many years until the reign of Mayor Vera Katz. She abruptly decided to “crack down” on the ride for some reason (of which I’m not clear) and the remnants of her decision are still with us today.
For several months now, riders and the police and been holding meetings to discuss the issues and I hope the result of those meetings is the end of the police presence.
Thanks for reading and commenting…your voice is appreciated and valued.