Thread started by richtotheie at 11.9.07 - 7:40 pm

A plea for help from Santa Monica Critical Mass!!!

THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER.

For the past few months, the S.M.P.D. has cracked down on the mass like a totalitarian regime. To the point where riders are pulled over for no other reason other than to look for something to ticket. Police block bike lanes, causing bikes to go around but ticket them for doing so! These are just a couple of examples. You can follow the links and read the articles at the end of this post.

Our numbers have dropped due to the fear of being ticketed and the obvious fact that WE THE BIKERS are the prey of S.M.P.D. every 1st Friday of the month. The stench of a politically corrupt city is finally leaking through the cracks and becoming apparent. They have one mission, and the objective is to ELIMINATE Critical Mass.

WHAT WE ARE ASKING:
PLEASE set aside the 1st friday of this coming month (Dec 7th) to come to Santa Monica Critical Mass and support our right to ride. Bring your friends, bring your family just know that this is not like the regular Midnight Ridazz rides where we can go through lights, take up all lanes, and get rowdy. The cops here ticket for EVERYTHING. Including not having the proper lighting on your bicycle, lack of reflectors and EVEN BICYCLE LICENSES. (you probably just thought "WTF?") Yes, pretty much a bunch of #$@&. Just an excuse to ticket. We are in desperate need of strength in numbers. So please, help your fellow bicyclists out. We're all in this together.

Bicycles are here to stay. Only you can make the difference.



WHEN & WHERE:
Friday December 7th - 6:30 PM
Northwest Corner of Ocean and Colorado Ave.


View Larger Map


Informative Links:
Bicycles and the LAW
SurfSantaMonica Article on SMCM
CICLE Article
Letter to the Editor, written SMCM Rider, Roger Swanson pg.4 Left Column

BIKE LAWS

California Vehicle Code Bicycle Reference Summary
(please check vehicle code for actual reference)

Bicyclist Rights (CVC 21200) Bicyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of vehicle drivers.

Alcohol and Drugs (CVC 21200.5) It is against the law to ride a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Equipment (CVC 21202 and 21204) Bicycles must be equipped with at least a brake which allows operators to execute to a wheelskid on dry, level, clean pavement. Handlebars must not be higher than the rider’s shoulders. Bicycles must be small enough for the rider to stop, support it with one foot on the ground, and restart safely. At night bicycles must be equipped with a white headlight or white light attached to the rider and visible from the front. Bicycles must also have a rear red reflector and white or yellow pedal reflectors. There must be a white or yellow reflector on the front of the bicycle visible from the side, and a red or white reflector on the rear of the bicycle visible from the side. All riders must have a permanent, regular seat. Bicycle passengers under 40 lbs. must have a seat which retains them in place and protects them from moving parts.

Use of the Roadway (CVC 21202) Bicycles traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic must ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable except: when passing, preparing for a left turn, to avoid hazards and dangerous conditions or if the lane is too narrow.

Hitching Rides (CVC 21203) Bicyclists may not hitch rides on vehicles.

Carrying Articles (CVC 21205) Bicyclists may not carry items which keep them from using at least one hand upon the handlebars.

Motorized Bicycles (CVC 21207.5) Motorized bicycles may not be used on trails, bike path, or lanes.

Bicycle Lane Use (CVC 21208) Bicyclists traveling slower than traffic must use bike lanes except when making a left turn, passing, or avoiding hazardous conditions.

Obstruction of Pedestrians (CVC 21210) Bicyclists may not leave bicycles on their sides on the sidewalk or park bicycles in a manner which obstructs pedestrians.

Bikeway Obstruction (CVC 21211) No one may stop on or park a bicycle on a bicycle path.

Helmets (CVC 21212) Bicyclists and passengers under age 18 must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet when a passenger or riding upon a bicycle.

Direction of Travel (CVC 21650) Bicyclist must travel on the right side of the roadway in the direction of traffic.

Freeways (CVC 21960) Bicyclists may not ride on the freeways where prohibited.

Toll Bridges (CVC 23330) Bicyclists may not cross a toll bridge unless permitted by signs.

Head Phones (CVC 27400) Bicyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears, except hearing aids.

City of Los Angeles Code References Applicable to Bicycles:

Bicycle Defined (LAMC 26.01a) “any device upon which a person may ride which is propelled in whole or in part by human power through a system of belts, chains, or gears and which has either two or three wheels...�

Bicycle Licenses Required (LAMC 26.01) Requires a bicycle license for all bicycles purchased and ridden in the City of Los Angeles. Available from a bicycle dealer when a bicycle is purchased in the City of Los Angeles by the bicycle retailer or from local Los Angeles Police Stations.

Off-Street Parking and Shower Requirement (LAMC 12.221A16) Provides for the inclusion of bicycle parking and employee showers in the new buildings 10,000 square feet or more.

Sidewalk Riding (LAMC 56.15) Prohibits the riding of bicycles (or other human power devices) on sidewalks (bikeways or boardwalks) with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Disallows the riding of bicycles on Ocean Front Walk in Venice.

Sale of Bicycles (LAMC 80,75) Prohibits the sale or rental of bicycles from any public or private property which is not the place of business of a duly licensed bicycle dealer.



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[singing]
I won't deny it, I'ma straight ridah
Please come and ride with me
Got the police ticketing me
But they can't do nuttin to a G [/singing]



boogalooSHRIMP
11.9.07 - 8:25 pm

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Somebody wrote:

For the past few months, the S.M.P.D. has cracked down on the mass in a horrifically similar manner to genocide.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Uh-uh. Just...no.



PC
11.9.07 - 8:30 pm

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PC,

I think it was just a poor choice of words on richtotheie's part. What I think he meant to convey is that the tactics and strategy employed by the SMPD are similar to those of totalitarian states. In particular they placed some cyclists in positions where it was nearly impossible not to be ticketed. With that, and with the general spirit of his post, I agree. Let's not get distracted by this small compositional misstep.

KNOW WHAT I MEAN?



Alex Thompson
11.9.07 - 8:48 pm

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I'm just saying, edit that muhfucker before you send it out anywhere.



PC
11.9.07 - 8:50 pm

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can we all agree on this?

LAPD

-------------------------------------and SMPD

are two different animals at this point on November 9, 2007.

for reals.



tern
11.9.07 - 8:57 pm

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PC you coming? dressed like a banana perhaps?



richtotheie
11.10.07 - 8:56 am

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CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME CYCLING IS NOT A CRIME



Urban Commuter
11.10.07 - 9:09 am

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It's not??????/ I thought it was???!!!@#$%



Limeyfly
11.10.07 - 10:26 am

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CRIMINAL MASS

IT R COMING



Knittens
11.10.07 - 11:05 am

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Rumor has it that there will be bike lights for sale at Dealer COST. Bring $$ for the cheapest lights you'll ever get...i hope.

Also, bring CAMERAS, STILL AND VIDEO. We need to document EVERYTHING.



richtotheie
11.10.07 - 12:28 pm

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Hey Richie, since Santa Monica isn't Los Angeles, the excerpts from the Los Angeles Municipal Code will have nothing to do with it. Santa Monica has its own Municipal Code:

SMMC 3.12.540 Bicycle riding or coasting restricted
"It shall be unlawful to ride a bicycle or to coast in any vehicle upon any public sidewalk"

SMMC 3.12.550 Bike-path and beach promenade
"It shall be unlawful to ride a bicycle or to coast in any vehicle upon the Beach Promenade; bicycle riding shall be permitted along the beach bike-path, within the City limits and in those areas where the Promenade constitutes a portion of the bikeway and are otherwise permitted by sign."

SMMC 3.12.560 Prohibited vehicles
"In the area where bicycle riding is permitted by Section 3.12.550, no vehicle of any type shall be permitted except unicycles, bicycles, bicycles with training wheels, wheelchairs, and single-person tricycles operated by a person eighteen (18) years of age or older." (i.e. no rollerblades on the bike path!!!)

SMMC 3.12.570 Reckless cycling
"Any person operating a bicycle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless cycling."

SMMC 3.12.580 Riding on handlebars prohibited
"No operator of any bicycle or motorcycle shall carry any other person upon the bar, handle bars or tank of any such vehicle, and no person shall so ride upon any such vehicle."

SMMC 3.12.630 Clinging to moving vehicles
"No person traveling upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, motorcycle or any toy vehicle shall cling to or attach himself or his vehicle to any other moving vehicle or street car."

SMMC 3.20.010 Bicycle defined
"For the purposes of this Section “bicycle� shall mean any device upon which a person may ride, which is propelled by human power through a system of belts, chains or gears and which has either two or three wheels (one of which is at least twenty inches in diameter, in tandem or tricycle arrangement) or a frame size of at least fourteen inches."

SMMC 3.20.020 License application
"Any person desiring to operate or use a bicycle upon any of the streets of the City shall apply therefor to the City Clerk or bicycle retailer (authorized agent) who shall record the name and address of the owner thereof and a description of said bicycle. The City Clerk or authorized agent shall issue the license requested upon payment by the applicant of the fee herein required."

SMMC 3.20.030 Registration
"Upon receipt of the required bicycle license fee, it shall be the duty of each licensee to attach in a conspicuous place such decal to the frame of the bicycle for which issued."

SMMC 3.20.040 Bicycle dealers
"All persons engaged in the business of selling new or secondhand bicycles are hereby required to make a daily report to the Police Department giving a list of all sales made"

SMMC 3.20.050 Transferor and transferee
"It shall be the duty of every person who sells or otherwise disposes of a bicycle or bicycle frame to endorse the transfer of ownership and notify the Police Department within ten days of the date of sale or disposition of bicycle or frame. It shall also be the duty of any person who purchases or otherwise acquires possession of a bicycle to apply to a transfer of license to his own name within ten days of such purchase or acquisition except as provided in Section 3.20.040 herein."

SMMC 3.20.060 Destruction of identification
"No person shall remove, destroy, mutilate or alter the number of any bicycle frame licensed pursuant hereto."

SMMC 3.20.070 Fees
"A fee of one dollar ($1.00) per year or portion thereof is to be paid by the owner of each bicycle."





onethirtynine
11.10.07 - 1:33 pm

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Can you enlighten us more on these rumors? Like what kind, model number?

Richie -
Bring your friends, bring your family just know that this is not like the regular Midnight Ridazz rides where we can go through lights, take up all lanes, and get rowdy.

Me -
Thanks for not mentioning kicking over baby strollers and beating up someone's grandma! BTW, we had someone riding with his kid in a kiddie trailer. I wish I was that kid growing up!!!!



User1
11.10.07 - 1:49 pm

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Fuck!! Finally someone digs up the SM code!!!

Thanks onethirtynine!!



User1
11.10.07 - 1:58 pm

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SOMEBODY POSTEDED DIZ ON SMCM.ORG

Santa Monica Municipal Code:

3.72.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this Chapter is:

(a) To de-prioritize law enforcement of marijuana offenses where the marijuana is intended for adult personal use — specifically, to make investigations, citations, arrests, property seizures, and prosecutions for those offenses the City of Santa Monica’s lowest law enforcement priority; and

(b) To transmit notification of the enactment of this initiative to State and Federal elected officials who represent the City of Santa Monica. (Added by Ord. No. 2215CCS (part), adopted 7/25/06)



Knittens
11.10.07 - 2:06 pm

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richie -- you see big lots of super-cheap lights (20-50 lights) on ebay from time to time, i've seen as little as $2 a light, they also come in pairs of front and back



stevestevesteve
11.10.07 - 2:34 pm

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what about that ride that SEXY was talkin about where everyone just shows up to ride but doesnt ride in a mass rather just rides in a designated area. make sure to obey all laws but just effectively cluster ride every street. ha.

The Cluster Ride

First Friday of dec. what are the boundaries?






Wink Martindale
11.10.07 - 2:43 pm

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THAT is what needs to be done. AND act as cars not bikes. That means no grouping. That means taking the lane as a single rider as well as side by side. That means leaving AT LEAST on car's length for every 10 mph on the road when following the vehicle ahead. That means passing slower moving vehicles on you left.

In a area of 4-5 blocks by 4-5 blocks with even just 100 riders doing what is outlined above, would cause havoc. All perfectly legal!!! Xmas time just around the corner!! Now is the time to plan and do this!!!



User1
11.10.07 - 2:55 pm

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will someone edit Richie's retardation please. I got a coke habit the size of Lonnie Anderson's Bombas Grandes.



Wink Martindale
11.10.07 - 2:59 pm

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That's a pretty cool idea!

K - Thanks man.

Stevex3 - sweet, will check it out.





richtotheie
11.10.07 - 2:59 pm

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K- but it's good to know since SM is surrounded by LA.





richtotheie
11.10.07 - 3:02 pm

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for sure ,we will stand up for our rights.................get up stand up ... ride yo freakn bike ,,,,get up stand upp,,, ride yo freakn bike,,



skano
11.10.07 - 4:18 pm

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"Bicycle license".
If they're going to be pricks about that issue, perhaps we could slap phony tags onto our seat-tubes.
As far as getting ticket for going around a slow-moving vehicle, we should all stay in one single-file line behind slow vehicle.
The lead should have a shoulder-mounted, Peterbilt-specific air-horn, and blast the car with it.
Essentially, follow the "so-called" Santa Monica rules for one night, and show the SMPD how much of a disaster it could become.
Essentially, make asses out of them using their own medicine.

Just my two-cents, since I could never really get down there as often as I want to.



bentstrider
11.10.07 - 6:56 pm

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Heya Bents how come i've only seen you in pictures! Get your butt out here!!!



richtotheie
11.10.07 - 8:43 pm

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@richtotheie
-I might've seen you at the end of one of the cubcamps back in September. I was the one who showed up as people were packing it up. My friend was along with me that night and y'all would'a murdered him!!
As mentioned in other posts, I live up in the Victorville area enroute to Vegas.
I try to make it down there as much as possible, in spite of setbacks like "recent-job-change-related-work-hours" and a vehicle to traverse the 80+mile distance to where the rides usually take place.
But, seeing as this "Storm the Bastille" is taking place on a day off, I might just make it down there.
BTW, I at first assumed you were from the Inland Empire due to your initials.



bentstrider
11.10.07 - 9:07 pm

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those who know boogaloo shrimp knows that he has an airhorn and isn't afraid to use it.

HONK.



boogalooSHRIMP
11.10.07 - 10:06 pm

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the names richie...rich to the ie

lol





richtotheie
11.10.07 - 10:20 pm

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I think the idea of small groups of riders riding in a vehicular fashion is an excellent idea!

SMCPD are not going to look too pretty if they are harassing law abiding cyclits at random for riding in the area of santa monica on the first friday of the month.

Sound like it will either be bike utopia 2007 (unless popo turns it into CM @ RNC2k The Rerun)

I'd like to be there to find out ...





trickmilla
11.10.07 - 10:45 pm

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-richtotheie-
this is a long shot, but what if you guys met at a different location, met on a different day, and met at a different time?? this would confuse the smpd and they would not know when you guys are gonna ride!



speedybrian2000
11.11.07 - 1:38 am

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Or, how about we organize different sets of ridazz and make them look the same?
Essentially, we all start out from various points in the city and criss-cross all over it.
With the different groups looking the same, SMPD will think they're chasing one group.
They'll be like, "How the fuck did they get over there so qui....Shit!!
Now there over ther......What are they doing by the pi.....Where's that air suppor.....There they go again, right in fro.....Now they're behind u......What the fuck is going on!!!!!"
With "Yakety Sax" playing in the background of course.



bentstrider
11.11.07 - 3:20 am

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Thats a good idea. We need to have multiple groups riding at one time to break down the groups the police ride in. Maybe have one group start at the Venice Circle, one start at the SM Pier, and one at another location. We could then just create a final destination that is directly on the other side of the SM border.
But on da reals... If we do not try our best to get our bikes up to code (lights & such) and keep our lines out of on coming traffic, then the cops will always have something to bitch about.


Werd...



Rogue Rida
11.11.07 - 12:02 pm

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At the same time Rogue, if we take/start the ride outside of SM, than they are defeating us and the purpose of the ride. I don't think we should run. But i do think multiple groups is cool although that can get split up really quick.



richtotheie
11.11.07 - 12:18 pm

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multiple group leaders will communicate with other group leaders via walkie talkie... the cops like to coalesce, much like us. green group, red group, pink group, white group, black group... they'll be hit off guard when they have to assign officers to each group. Plus, i'm pretty sure a fast group of fixies can smoke any punk ass bicycle cop.



boogalooSHRIMP
11.11.07 - 8:52 pm

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the issue with that like last time, is that the cops went after the group leaders with walkie talkies shutting off the group from communication :(



richtotheie
11.11.07 - 11:33 pm

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I plan to be there. No banana suit...this time.



PC
11.12.07 - 1:51 am

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i think i just shed a tear PC but that's ok. Know why?

CUZ YOU'RE

"DIAMOND TUFF"



richtotheie
11.12.07 - 8:39 am

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I see. Then there should be a second in command that takes the walkie-talkie and....



boogalooSHRIMP
11.12.07 - 11:25 am

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they'll probably get a ticket too lol. These are all really good ideas. Just keep in mind the ideals of critical mass and the fact that we don't want to start on the offensive side or else we won't go anywhere.

I love the ideas, More?



richtotheie
11.12.07 - 11:35 am

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Why not have 3 start points all at those major Ocean Blvd ends
Colorado
Santa Monica
Wilshire
and some on those inbetween, then ride in.

Hey, doesn't anybody think the SM po po is probably reading this as well??????!!!!!!!



DeKadenzy
11.12.07 - 12:02 pm

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i haven't been to the last few smcms for this reason, but i'll be sure to be at this next one.



dave c
11.12.07 - 1:17 pm

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How about,

-multiple start points
-a general boundary (is a route really necessary?)
-small groups (20-30 riders each?) ride around inside said boundary, following all SM traffic laws
-a convergence 1/2 way through the ride at a pre-selected point/park/lot
-no walkie-talkies/leaders to target


Does anyone have change for a dollar?



420LaHaRR
11.12.07 - 1:38 pm

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Are megaphones allowed?



Joe Borfo
11.12.07 - 1:40 pm

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best strategy. just show up and ride within a small boundary. obey all laws. and have a good time. wave at your friends. we'll party in my Malibu mansion guest house with Kado and the yay yo.



Wink Martindale
11.12.07 - 1:43 pm

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"Why not have 3 start points all at those major Ocean Blvd ends
Colorado
Santa Monica
Wilshire"

3 start points then have them pace along crossing each other on 2nd street then 4th street so we essentially take up both sides of the street at the same time and keep doing that for a few more blocks then get the FUCK out of Santa Monica.



barleye
11.12.07 - 1:43 pm

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Joe Borfo
11.12.07 - 1:47 pm

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So, I called the LAPD (venice station near la brea) to ask about licensing my bike....bewildered, he asks, your bicycle? sorta laughing, and asks "so if it gets stolen or something?" I said, "No I ride in Santa Monica......" He cut me off right at Santa Monica... and said "oh ok..gotcha" I asked what about Santa Monica? and he shut up REAL quick. Said, That's the first he's heard of anything...I could have pressed it but didn't. These departments are talking....



barleye
11.12.07 - 2:17 pm

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I think he was making fun of the SMPD...



stevestevesteve
11.12.07 - 3:49 pm

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sorry if this has been suggested already.. I've only skimmed the thread (up to eyeballs in work today!) BUT I was thinking about SMCM and our interactions w/ the po-po in general and I know we want to defend ourselves when we're confronted/harassed... especially when it's about something *so* obviously not illegal. But do I have to memorize the entire CVC in order to enlighten some bonehead officer? OR is it possible that I can be an effective Masser by accepting the ticket EVEN if I know it's given for some bullshit reason and then taking it up in court?? I see the benefit to having discussion with officers but at the same time, if SM courthouses are flooded w/ bike cases maybe it will bring to light HOW ridiculous that harassment is and SM will rethink their tactics. I know also that it's time consuming for a person to go to court and fight a ticket, but if I'm obeying laws and doing what I'm supposed to I somehow have faith that I can make a difference higher up in the legal system than being one of the the Massers Vs. Cops in the streets... any thoughts? I also think that if we are trying to send the message that riding bikes is an awesome alternative to driving (cuz it is...duh!) that message gets blurred when people see us getting into it w/ cops, most people would like to avoid dealing with the police at all, yes? Am I on the right thread? is this SOS or Storm the Bastille... way to distract me MR.com! back to work bleh



mixtemotions
11.12.07 - 5:42 pm

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Mixtemotions,

I do agree that it is important to know our cycling rights in case we are ever confronted by an officer. Our focus for the S.O.S. ride is to "Follow the Rules" that the SMPD are being overtly stringent on, and demonstrate how these rules need to be changed in order for us to ride safely and in numbers. We are demonstrating our right to ride. Thats what CM is all about.

I also agree that we need to remind the city council that the SMPD are not respecting our rights. Storm the Bastille is us actually voicing our concern to the SM City Council about the unfair disruption of our right to ride our bicycles without being intimidated to do so by the SMPD.

Demonstrating how our road rules need to be transformed and the importance of communicating to the community our rights to ride together on the streets is what we should keep encouraging each other to do.

.




Joe Borfo
11.12.07 - 6:13 pm

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Thanks Borfo! I'm down for both SMCM and Storm the Bastille! I want to see a change in SMPD's attitude towards Critical Mass and bikes on the road. I'll be there w/ bells on... my bike....if they're permitted. ;)



mixtemotions
11.12.07 - 6:41 pm

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Fight it in court by all means, but remember that traffic court judges have a tendency toward a "cop said it, I believe it, and that settles it" attitude about the cases they hear. The problem with quietly letting a cop cite you for something that isn't illegal is that it reinforces that particular cop's ignorance (and if you lose your case later because the judge is useless, as many of them are, it reinforces it even more).

As for people (I assume you mean the general public) seeing cyclists arguing with the police, well, I think there ought to be more public examples of people calmly but assertively questioning authority.

Fuck it, maybe I will bring the banana suit tomorrow night.



PC
11.12.07 - 10:15 pm

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Remember when you go into court, The judge ask the prosecutor, or in the case of a traffic citation, the cops version of what happen. If they sighted you for something they shouldn't have sighted you for, a decent judge will throw it out right there. If the judge doesn't see that they tried to sight you for a law that doesn't exist, you can explain why there is no such law and the by seeing that the law should not be interrupted in that way, the judge should rule in your favor.



sexy
11.12.07 - 10:57 pm

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If you've read or know the CA vehicle code and read the SM municipal code, then you should be aware of what is and isn't legal. If you still get pulled over by the po po, I'm not sure trying to explain to him, aka debate your ticket will do a bit of difference. Where it will is in court. If didn't do anything illegal, you plead not guilty and it gets set for trial. They will do everything, tell you shit that is incorrect, just to avoid taking this to court. They will scare you with the fines and court cost etc etc. If you didn't do anything illegal, stand your grounds. If you can't, just be one of the ones riding in the bike lane.

I say we do this ride thing more than once a month too. For example we could do it before the Crank Mob ride. Once a week if possible.

As far as set starting points, really we're talking a fairly same area to ride. Do we really need starting points? Just roll up and start riding a small grid.

And if you guys are talking about riding in a group. Just remember they might ticket you for riding more than two abreast, following the bike in front of you too close, unsafe lane change, and who knows what else.

I plan on riding solo unless I come to a rida or a small group 2-3 ridazz.



User1
11.12.07 - 11:08 pm

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Tomorrow nights storm the bastille ride is in full swing. Our message will be taken..good or bad.

ride on.



richtotheie
11.12.07 - 11:43 pm

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If you still get pulled over by the po po, I'm not sure trying to explain to him, aka debate your ticket will do a bit of difference.

I'm not sure, either. But if we only did things when we were sure of the outcome, we wouldn't do anything.



PC
11.13.07 - 3:06 am

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OK, how bout this?

If you still get pulled over by the po po, IMHO it would be best to make your point short and sweet, if at all. Cause more than likely you're getting the ticket either way. All the cop is going to do is have selective hearing and in court he may have additional reasons for ticketing you, since you opened your mouth.

It's not uncommon for a cop to lie to make his case either. The less he has to paint a picture, the harder it is for him in court. Take the ticket and fight it in court.



User1
11.13.07 - 9:42 am

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fuck fighting it in court. try fighting it by mail first.





onethirtynine
11.13.07 - 11:30 am

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tough fight ahead... basically santa monica is finding their way towards the car world equivalent of anti-cruising laws. bet SM will be the first city in LA to make it happen against bicycle cruising.

from their point of view 7pm (rush hour) massive rides disrupt already insane traffic plain and simple.....so their wont be much sympathy for what they see as a bunch of people riding with only the purpose to have fun and ride. they have their case sealed up since the west side is alread knee-deep in shit thanks to thanks to that fucknut moronic idiot dildohead Henry Waxman and all the money interests that supported him in his bid to kill the subway to the beach.



Roadblock
11.13.07 - 11:42 am

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i've said it before, if bikes are causing a traffic problem we'll just do CM in cars. of course we don't want to contribute to air pollution in our city so we'll just push them around with the engines off....



stevestevesteve
11.13.07 - 1:22 pm

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register your bikes yall. $10 for 10 years.

http://www.nationalbikeregistry.com/register.html



wolfpack307
11.13.07 - 1:39 pm

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