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Article by: TC-IMC Saturday 30 Mar 2002

Summary:The monthly global celebration of bicycles known as Critical Mass was abruptly ended by the Minneapolis Police Department on Friday, March 29.

Reference at indymedia website: http://twincities.indymedia.org:8081//front.php3?article_id=4501

Article: Minneapolis, MN -- The monthly global celebration of bicycles known as Critical Mass was abruptly ended by the Minneapolis Police Department on Friday, March 29. At least 40 bicyclists gathered in Loring Park to raise awareness of bicycle issues, choose a common route and rode off at 5:30 PM Northbound on Willow Street out of Loring Park. The intention was to head through downtown to North Minneapolis. The temperature was over 45 degrees on this sunny late afternoon.

The cyclistsí first turn was East onto 14th ST, where a least three MPD squads sat idling. The sight of the squads turned the riders around back onto Willow Street where the squads followed. Over their loudspeaker, the police said ìSingle file. Get single file.î

As the riders tried to obey the order (although it is perfectly legal for bicyclists in Minnesota to ride two-abreast), they found themselves unable to maneuver around the blockade of police cars and many rode onto the parkís grass or pathway to get out of the way of certain danger. Eventually the police pinched the bikes and riders between the curb and the police cars.

ìThey were just yanking bikes, saying ëIs your bike registered?í ì Stated one eyewitness. A large number of riders immediately rode off through Loring Park as to avoid the confrontation of what appeared to be abuse of power. There were reports of a rider being knocked off her bike causing both injury and damage to her property. Citations were issued while the police officers stammered, trying to think of a reason to make one. Badge numbers were refused to be shared by the government employees whose policy it is to always provide a badge number when asked.

After the bulk of the riders had dispersed, a few were standing on the corner of Willow and 15th, including a few riders who had been last to leave the park. When asked, ìwhere is your bike?î one participant in the celebration of biking sadly gestured toward the police car now parked southbound on Willow. ìItís in the back of that car; I donít have it registered.î A flatbed towing truck appeared, making an illegal turnaround in the intersection of Willow and 15th, honking its horn at a car waiting for the light to change to move out of the way. Later this same flatbed truck was seen carrying a large pile of bicycles. ìWhen in the hell did it become illegal to bicycle in the city of Minneapolis?î asked another witness. ìWhen did this city become a Police State?î

In addition to Indymedia reporters and photographers present at the event, a Skyway news reporter was interviewing CM riders and taking photographs.