[discuss-dan] Story: Cops bust bikers in rush-hour crackdown

[doug@denverradio.org]

db thought you might be interested in this article at co001.campusmotor.com (http://co001.campusmotor.com).



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2001-01-29

Cops bust bikers in rush-hour crackdown
Cyclists sought to peddle alternatives to automobiles
By By MICHAEL A. de YOANNA, Colorado Daily Staff Writer

Boulder police swooped in at Pearl and 28th streets Friday during rush hour to prevent a group of cyclists from further peddling an anti-car message, arresting one man. The cyclists-turned-road hogs claimed to be members of the loosely knit Critical Mass global movement, which endorses pedal-driven forms of transportation as a healthy and viable alternative to driving.According to Boulder police, an estimated 15-20 riders pedaled in one direction down two lanes on Pearl Street in front of a growing line of smoking tailpipes.The cyclists said they braved the brisk weather and ire of drivers to encourage residents to think of healthier ways of getting around. Many wore signs on their backs."The Revolution Will Not Be Motorized," one read."Honk to Relieve Your S.U.V. Guilt," read another.The group's message was that Boulderites are too dependent on their cars.But amid blaring horns and a sea of brake lights, Boulder police began receiving complaints from dri!
vers unimpressed by the cyclists' message.In the ensuing minutes, a squad car pushed its way through traffic to the cyclists as other officers positioned themselves to intercept the group.Police ordered the group into the parking lot at the Olive Garden restaurant near Pearl and 28th streets.Most riders complied, but several cyclists who shot off from the main group remained at large on Sunday, according to Boulder police Sgt. Carey Weinheimer.The main group of riders, said Weinheimer, continued through the Olive Garden lot after being ordered to stop towards an adjacent lot, where the ride was brought to an end by an officer who stood in front of riders.One cyclist -- a male -- attempted to elude that officer, but was apprehended and arrested."It was a pretty short foot chase," Weinheimer said. "It went about a quarter of a block."The name of the man arrested and the names of the nine cyclists, who received tickets for failing to yield to an emergency ve!
hicle, were unavailable at press time."Dakota," one of the riders ticketed on Friday spoke to the Colorado Daily on the condition that he would remain anonymous. Dakota alleged that police set up a two-car blockade to stop the cyclists and to prevent traffic from entering Pearl Street.The blockade, Dakota said, made the situation worse, creating an even longer rush hour.He added that it was possible that the blockade was set up prior to any police orders to pull over.Weinheimer said he would have to review police reports, which were unavailable at press time, to confirm whether police formed such a blockade at all.Dakota added that riders were spread out and had sought to follow the person in front of them, leading to confusion as to which parking lot police had directed them.Dakota made a brief statement on behalf of riders."We're surprised at the aggression of the response," Dakota said. "We're planning to fight it in court."Dakota also said t!
he group plans a similar, but larger action, but declined to say where and when.Prior to the ride, members spoke out against "car culture." Car culture, they said, is the notion that drivers are somehow entitled to a car and have a right to pollute the air.Members of the group expressed hopes that a dialogue initiated by some individuals with members of Boulder's City Council will result in the creation of a bicycle lane on 28th Street and additional lanes on and around the CU-Boulder campus.- - - - - - - - - - -
Copyright 2000 co001.campusmotor.com.


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