Critical Mass is free, but Houston police may begin charging riders for escort

[alp227]

Source: Houston Chronicle

Houston police are considering a plan to charge the Critical Mass bicycle group as safety concerns draw officers away from their regular duties.

The event, which sees thousands of riders take to the streets on the last Friday of every month, has operated in cities across the world for over 20 years. At times it has become a real Drivers vs. Cyclists war, with violence erupting at rides in both Seattle and San Francisco.

Just this past Friday, a disgruntled driver shot video that shows riders racing through the red light at a major intersection in the Heights.

Critical Mass leaders have been working closely with the police to ensure road safety since October. Four officers in two police cars help riders through intersections, with officers driving ahead and behind to clear the path.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Critical-Mass-riders-ask-for-drivers-to-5108973.php

[frylock]

1. critical massholes

[Earth_First]

2. Bicycle Rights!

[Psephos]

4. Portlandia is pure genius. :) n/t

[ThomThom]

3. Will we start charging churches that have a police presence on Sunday morning

to get people into the parking lot without problems? Or Thurs or Sat services? Police's job is to serve this is part of it. When foreign dignitaries come to town or even elected officials from Washington they need watching over. Candidates for office, the list is long. Running events also. Houston must not be very bike friendly, sounds to me like extortion. We won't protect you unless you pay extra.

[JDPriestly]

5. This is how the government penalizes us for exercising our rights. Here the First Amendment right

to freedom of association.

[NBachers]

6. Here's something I saw on a leaflet kiosk at Stanford University last weekend

Somebody's got strong feelings about Critical Mass -