Bicyclists Clash with LAPD
Bad blood continues despite attempts at detente
"Critical Mass leans toward an in-your-face attitude," says Joe Borfo, a pseudonymous participant of another cyclists' group, Midnight Ridazz. "You get teens on their 'fixies' after school, and some of them are just looking to cause trouble."
While groups such as Midnight Ridazz have worked to build rapport with the LAPD, Critical Mass has practically taunted cops.
On the night of the BP ride, some bicyclists were heard yelling, "Fuck the police."
"There were a number of cyclists running red lights, riding bikes on the opposite side of traffic, who didn't have lights on," Villegas says. "Some were drinking alcohol as they were riding, others were reported to be smoking marijuana during the ride."
Police could have blocked intersections, allowed the cyclists to ignore red lights and given them the run of the boulevard — if only there had been advance notice and cooperation from Critical Mass.
"We want to facilitate them, like we do any demonstration," Villegas says. He notes that some Critical Mass members have stepped forward to work with police after the controversial ride. "What this incident is going to do is bolster and enhance our relationship with bicyclists."
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