The ‘bike swarm’ is at it again. Organizers behind the growing movement to use masses of people on bicycles to support the Occupy Portland protests, are planning several “feeder” rides that will end at an action to shut down the Port of Portland.
The “Bike to Blockade” event is part of the local Shutdown the Port action, which is Portland’s involvement in a coordinated attempt to shut down trading ports along the entire west coast.
The goal of the shutdown is to support longshoremen and port workers “in their struggle against the 1%!” (according to the website).
“U.S. ports have thus become economic engines for the elite;” reads the organizer’s website, “the 1% these trade hubs serve are free to rip the shirts off the backs of the 99% who turn their profits.”
Swarm organizer Katherine Ball says riders will run “scout missions” between terminals and circle in front of the entrances. “We will be biking legally but we hope there will be enough of us that it will create a traffic jam of sorts — or at least a lot of confusion.”
“One of the main missions of a swarm for this action,” Ball adds, “is just to get people up there! I think what happens when we get there will be somewhat improved based on what is necessary.”
‘Bike to Blockade’ will support the event by leading feeder rides from all five quadrants of the city. The groups will meet up at Peninsula Park in North Portland, then ride together for a 4:00 pm rally at Kelley Point Park (which is smack dab in the middle of port terminals on the Columbia River).
Check the event flyer below or visit PDXBikeSwarm.com for more info.
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(NOTE: The quotes from organizer Katherine Ball were added after this post was first published. – JM)
