Call out for Critical Mass arrestee support

how many people were arrested and for what charges?
i was not able to make it last night, i had to work. but i was sending you guys love and light and hoping for the best. i have to say i am truly proud of all of you that were out there and making your statements to the world. i hope to be at the next ride, but i have to say it concerns me there were arrests. i thought the cops had chilled and let everyone do there thing. i guess i was wrong. it just really pisses me off that people are going to jail and being treated like shit for speaking their minds. what can we do to stop this from happening?

What can we do....

-- Vigilant copwatching (have video cameras!), and willingness to testify against the cops, and for arrestees at trials.
-- Willingness to fight all criminal charges (even violations)
-- Willingness to bring civil suits against the city and police officers for false arrest, false imprisonment, and battery, and against the DA's office for malicious prosecution.

Who ever got arrested for DUII out there on a Critical Mass bike ride protesting the deaths of bicyclists killed by a drunk driver wins the bonehead award.

I did see one guy who bolted down the far left hand lane on MLK a couple of blocks south of burnside (the mass was contained in the far right lane) Not sure what the story on him was, if the cops tried to stop him previously or what, but he was chased by no less than 6 motorcycle cops, and surrounded on one of the side streets. Good for him.

I was one of the other arrestees that day, picked up on the middle of the Burnside Bridge. Mark, I'm certain I will be seeing you and Randy there at the courthouse; my court date is also July 22 at 1 pm. I was charged with interfering with police procedure and attempting to evade arrest, but my "crime" consisted of shouting to the officers, "Why are you arresting us? You should be keeping us safe on the roads!" (Last I checked, the First Amendment was still in place...)

If anyone witnessed my arrest or took photographs, I would appreciate your testimony, stories or support either here or at the courthouse. If anyone who was in close proximity to my arrest as a witness can contact me, that would be especially helpful because the police officer who brought charges against me differs in opinion as to what really happened that day (as I'm certain you can imagine). Any legal information would also be helpful. My telephone number is (503) 335-0060 and you can contact me through email at  roadsidecomix@yahoo.com. My bike was picked up by an unknown rider, and though I haven't found it yet, I know it'll be returned to me. (Thanks to whomever picked it up - I owe you one!)

I heard some very interesting things from the police during my ride in the paddy wagon, and I am looking into some changes in procedure that might make future Critical Masses less hostile. Keep looking back here as I would like to start a discussion on some possible amendments to our favorite ride. Thanks to everyone who backed me up, and don't let intimidation tactics keep you scared and housebound. Stay on the streets, keep riding, and demand justice!

Sarah Oleksyk

Hello cycling community!!! How do we keep the passion alive, get organized and create change. It seems like every month we ride, there is a lot of hype and then it all dies out. What about the call by one cyclist at the Belmont memorial site to speak with city leaders??????????? Let's not let this die out until the last Friday in July!!!!!!!!!!!! Any ideas out there??????????????? Thank you.

There is time set aside for public comments at every City Council meeting. Each individual is allowed 3 to 5 minutes to address the Mayor and Council members in person directly. Council meets every Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM. Come early, bring your friends, pack the Council chambers and let the Mayor know how you feel about fraudulent arrests, ticketing, police brutality and other police misbehavior at Critical Mass rides, and the need to redirect police resources where they are really needed: arresting drunk drivers, ticketing speeding motorists in residential neighborhoods, etc.

Link to Coucil agenda and additional info:  http://www.ci.portland.or.us/agenda/index.htm

As cyclist I suggest that we focus our attention toward the "Bicycles Are Traffic" community awareness campaign. The police are able to victimize cyclists and CM because cyclists represent a minority population. As citizens of the community we must stand up for our rights and demand equal and fair treatment on the roadway or simply accept the inherent danger of riding without rights.

Talking points;

Consider the annual cost of harassing CM as a budget item on the city balance sheet. It is a wasted expense with no social return. If part of that money were spent connecting the various bike paths throughout the city to complete a truly contiguous bicycle infrastructure and part of the money was spent enforcing the rights of cyclists and part was spent promoting bicycle awareness and cycling as an alternative to driving the social return to the community would be huge by increasing access, improving safety, reducing autos and pollutants. In short, that money could be used to improve Portland's highly prized livability.

The fact remains that the worst that CM has ever done socially is to inconvenience a few drivers. Unlike the police, an institution established to "protect and serve", it has never killed anyone through callousness or irresponsible or illegal behavior nor has it caused anyone serious injury by rough manhandling. The worst complaint against CM has been made by a few businesses who say CM makes it difficult for them to do business. To that plaintive whine our noble City Council responds by calling out the squad of goons who are all-too-happy to put to practice the latest in thump-down tactics on a minority community as long as they get the over-time pay.