60 cyclists protested in Santa Monica

I had seen this current pod from traffic kills/Italy:
http://current.com/items/89070591_a_polite_display_of_power
and here is a California version.


-
(SANTA MONICA) Published by Alex Thompson

Yesterday approximately 6o cyclists protested police harassment (photos on Flickr & Ridazz) of Santa Monica Critical Mass. In response to the 14 citations of Santa Monica Critical Mass (SMCM) riders last Friday we, the Crimanimalz, blocked 4 crosswalks for a cumulative period of 40 minutes. By walking back and forth across crosswalks continuously the Crimanimalz were able to legally create massive traffic jams. We effectively showed that legal behavior can be outrageously disruptive. Further, we showed that should the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) continue targeting cyclists on Critical Mass, there will be consequences for traffic in Santa Monica on other days.
-
SMPD traffic officers clearly took the cue from their superiors. For example, while issuing over 30 tickets for “no light” violations, officers repeatedly checked the box “this is not a correctable violation.” However, every “no light” violation for a cyclist is a correctable violation in California, as the California Highway Patrol has pointed out numerous times to riders who go to pay these violation. Once a rider demonstrates that they have a corrected the violation by equipping a light, the fine drops from over $100 to just $10. By misleading cited cyclists SMPD has improved their revenue stream and cost riders thousands of dollars more than is legally justified.
-
This is Santa Monica’s reminder. If we are to be painted as disruptive, then we shall act so. If we are to be treated as insignificant, then we will show that we are not. Actions like this will continue to occur, at unpredictable times, using unpredictable means, until the Santa Monica Police Department quits ticketing Santa Monica Critical Mass.
•click on article for more pictures / and full article•