(Graphic: PDX Bike Swarm) After Dan Kaufman’s Disco Trike was confiscated by Portland police during protests last Wednesday, activists are now increasing pressure on City Hall to release it. In a blog post this morning, PDX Bike Swarm claimed that, “the police had no reason to confiscate it and we want it back.” In addition … Read more
Detail from “Bike to Blockade” poster 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.
Bike swarm participants in downtown Portland during the N17 protests. (Photo: Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian) The ‘bike swarm’, like the Occupy movement itself, isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s getting stronger and smarter.
The face of a front-line officer at yesterday’s protest.(Photo © J. Maus) Our story about cops on bikes at the Occupy Portland protests yesterday has sparked a dialogue (that’s happening citywide, not just on BikePortland) about the size and style of force the City of Portland is bringing to these events. In a comment on … Read more
Police officers and supporters of the Occupy protests chat, while police in riot gear arrested protestors inside a bank this afternoon in downtown Portland.(Photos © J. Maus)
Occu-bike.(Photos © J. Maus) Tomorrow’s ‘N17 – Occupy the Banks‘ actions of civil disobedience throughout downtown Portland can count on an assist from a cadre of people on bikes. A ride dubbed ‘Swarm the Banks‘ will look to play a similar role to the ‘bike swarm’ that made its presence felt at the big standoff … Read more
A large group of bike riders used a swarm technique to create a safety buffer between Police and protestors.
Event flyer With yesterday’s announcement by Mayor Sam Adams and Police Chief Mike Reese that they will enforce park camping laws beginning 12:01 this Sunday, a showdown between the police and Occupy Portland might be inevitable. To help create a buffer zone between the encampment and any police action, a decision was made at the … Read more
View of Occupy Portland from SW Main Street.(Photo © J. Maus) Local activist and founder of Crank My Chain! Cycle TV Dan Kaufman is organizing a bike ride from Southeast Portland to show support for Occupy Portland. Kaufman is encouraging interested folks to “occupy your bicycle” and ride to this Friday’s meeting of the General … Read more
The street took center stage in the protests today as people openly disagreed with each other about whether or not to continue to “occupy” SW Main Street.(Photos © J. Maus)
The scene at SW Main between 3rd and 4th as of 8:30 this morning. (Looking west on SW Main with camps on both sides.)(Photos © J. Maus)
Comment of the Week: It’s about safety, not ‘cyclists’