Did anyone see this from the NYC critical mass ride?

[bvibert]

Well the last part definitely doesn't match what's in the video. Without watching the video again it seems to me that the cop could have been trying to stop the bicyclist to issue a citation and resorted to tackling when the cyclist (bike rider) didn't comply. It's hard to say, not that it makes the tackle right necessarily...

Let's face it, theres a good chance that the rider was impeding traffic and breaking traffic laws, that seems to be what these CM rides are all about. The cops could have been standing there so that they could catch one in the act. I don't see why the CM folks think that they're helping the cause by blatantly breaking traffic laws and irritating drivers, seems to me that they're having the opposite effect...

 

[Marc]

I don't have much sympathy for these CM a*holes. Supposing an ambulance or fire truck needs access down one of these streets they randomly close off? F these guys, all of em. They only think they're cyclists.

 

[wa-loaf]

It's like someone decided to have a parade and didn't tell anyone. Wouldn't you be pissed if on your way to work the roads were randomly closed so some HS marching band and a bunch of floats could go down the street? Just a bad idea.

If they want to make a show of force that's fine, but stop at red lights and stop signs and obey all traffic laws. Make the point that you are good citizens and you belong on the street. You don't earn any respect acting like spoiled kids.

 

[bvibert]

Somewhat on topic, here's an interesting article on tensions between cyclists and motorists.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/149224/page/1

 

[cbcbd]

This reply from Brian's second link says it best:
Sorry, Critical Mass is really stupid. And I'm a road biker.

I read that reply and completely agree.

Although I can't speak for the NYC biking scene (maybe Bruno can chime in), Seattle is so much bike friendlier than what I have seen in the East. Bike lanes everywhere (some car-sized bike lanes in downtown), lots of cyclists, many interurban trails, many good road options for riding, cars usually respect bikes... but they still act like they have this huge battle to wint - its really like cyclists have their own cause out here although I think they have already won.
Weird patterns - if you come to a 4-way intersection and are not the 1st in line... cars will wait for the cyclist to go first. I've noticed that bikes don't usually stop at some intersections or red lights, meanwhile drivers and pedestrians strictly abide to intersection rules (pedestrians waiting for the walk sign on an empty street... yeah, weird). I was just telling my gf yesterday... its actually kind of nervewrecking driving around here sometimes... you feel like any second a biker or pedestrian will jump out in front of you because they know that they can, and you might just hit them and... well, I guess we saw what can happen.

As I try to keep to the law and be respectful of everyone on the road, it is pretty annoying to see these cult cyclists acting so arrogantly. Many people out here already ride bikes, and when they are behind the wheel they will understand and sympathize... but things like this don't really help non-cyclists care.

bicyclists on roads can get really pushy and unrealistic about their rights critical mass is a good example. I ride mountain and some road and rail trail i do less road to be honest. Bikers gotta just accept they are not equal on the road. Modern roads are designed for cars it is that simple get over it. I am all for extra wide bike lanes and road safety and maintenance features that make the road safer for bicylists but seriously the predominant user of the road is a car. Bikers while they have a right to be there are unethical and dangerous to themselves and others when they inhibit motorists progress. Do not think you are entitled to take over the road you will lose every time to a car I assure you. I live in a heavily traffic bicycle area with lots of woods and farm roads and enjoy riding them my self. But i have seen multiple times bicyclist riding three abreast refusing to pull over doing like 12 mph on a 45 mph road. Or even the single bicyclist doing 20 in the middle of a twisty road with no passing lane at all doing like 18. I politely waited like a minute for him to yield or pull over or something I beeped my horn I reved still nothing eventually like two mile later the road widened and straightened enough for me to pass. I assked hime what was up he said the road wzs his as well. I said you were delaying and holding up a line of 5 cars he didn't care. I am sorry unless you as a bicyclist or a vehicle operator of any kind can keep up with surrounding traffic or how bout even do within 20 miles of the speed limit you need to yield to other traffic as common courtesy. The modern bike rights such as critical mass forget this.

Eh, I don't agree, and an attitude like that is what makes cycling in certain areas so dangerous... the fact that drivers think they own the road. Granted, I have never and will never think I will win a fight against a car - I don't expect cars to keep an eye on me, I keep an eye on them), but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't be on the road. Bvibert's response is right on.

I looked into my rear view (yes, i'm one of those geeks that ride with an eyeglass mounted mirror)

Lol, out here I feel like the outcast without one of those or some type of rearview... everybody's got one.

 

[marcski]

Originally Posted by marcski:
I looked into my rear view (yes, i'm one of those geeks that ride with an eyeglass mounted mirror)

Lol, out here I feel like the outcast without one of those or some type of rearview... everybody's got one.

I just started on the road like 2.5 years ago....and I used one from the beginning. Now, I'm so used to it, sometimes I look up into the upper left corner of my glasses when I'm on the mountain bike.....when I'm not even using the mirror!.

 

[BeanoNYC]

This video is from another critical mass ride.

 

[MonkeyBrook]

It could be me, but did that video make anyone else crazy with anger? Man, do the police abuse their power. Granted the bikers are wrong for breaking traffic laws, etc...but the use of physical force, the arresting of clearly innocent people and then the false arrest reports...I hope that the superiors in the NYPD saw those videos and fired those cops. I am convinence that most in law enforcement are completely insecure people who got their asses kicked as kids and now hide behind their badge. Sorry, the video really got to me.

I did learn something, I didnt realize you have the right to not identify yourself.

 

[Marc]

It could be me, but did that video make anyone else crazy with anger? Man, do the police abuse their power. Granted the bikers are wrong for breaking traffic laws, etc...but the use of physical force, the arresting of clearly innocent people and then the false arrest reports...I hope that the superiors in the NYPD saw those videos and fired those cops. I am convinence that most in law enforcement are completely insecure people who got their asses kicked as kids and now hide behind their badge.

Wrong.

6 years as a firefighter, and I've known a lot of LEO's at the local and state level in CT and MA, and you're way, way off base.

 

[andyzee]

Wrong.

6 years as a firefighter, and I've known a lot of LEO's at the local and state level in CT and MA, and you're way, way off base.

What are you saying, they were bullies way back and they're still bullies now?