February Critical Mass: Tom Potter fails

author: skwaraz

Like the January Critical Mass had never happened, February Critical Mass was ticketed heavily in in true City of Portland style, demonstrating once again that the Portland Police need a babysitter.

As reported on indymedia, January Critical Mass in Portland was accompanied by Mayor Tom Potter, and was a resounding success. Unfortunately for those who rode February's ride, there was no sign January's peaceful and unticketed ride had ever happened.

Just over 100 riders left the North Park Blocks last Friday evening, and within 2 blocks, 2 riders were ticketed, a trend that continued for most of the ride. These first two tickets were for not observing a stop sign and for an insufficiently bright front light. For some reason the "professional and competent" police officers didn't understand why the rider with the (insufficient) front light was yelling expletives. Based on several conversations/exchanges I had with the officers (namely Balzer, Sessum, and Hull), some brief, some longer, it is clear that Portland Police don't realize or recognize that they are public servants, and that they are publicly accountable for their actions. Apparently, a babysitter from the city government is required to keep the Portland Police in line.

For those who are interested in how the City of Portland is spending it's meager tax revenue, at 5:50PM, there were 11 police motorcycles and 1 cruiser waiting to keep the city safe people riding bikes. Reportedly there had been 4 bicycle cops, but they left N. Park blocks at about 5:40PM. According to the Justice Trio (Balzer, Sessum, and Hull), the entire Friday night highway patrol is assigned to Critical Mass. This means that while roughly 100 cyclists were slowling rolling through the streets, there wasn't even a visible police presence on Portland's many thoroughfares where motorists regularly speed and intoxicated drivers were returning from Happy Hour.

Those who give a damn (TWGAD) will renew pressure on the City Hall to rectify the situation.

For those who wish to complain about the treatment of Critical Mass, please call Tom Potter's opinion line: 503-823-4127
or
Commissioner Sam Adams's office: 503-823-3008
Your voice will help.

The destination for the ride made for rockin' good times. Props to the Chunk satelite who hosted us. See you in March! (25th is the last Friday)

Portland Critical Mass - Ride, Celebrate, Represent

- copied from Portland Indymedia