Southend’s First Critical Mass Stopped by Police

Published April20, 2006 by UK IndyMedia
By Oh Yeah

On the 14th of April, the first Critical Mass was held in
Southend-on-Sea. About 30 people met around 6pm to have a fun cycle
ride through the town. With colourful signs and messages stuck to their
bikes (i.e. ‘We are not blocking the traffic, We ARE the traffic!’) and
accompanied by a sound system playing reggae, the cyclists started
riding with a peaceful and happy atmosphere.

After about one and a half
hours joyful riding the police finally decided to join us. One police
car followed for about half an hour before they got supported by two
other cars and a motorbike and stopped the ride for ‘obstructing the
highway’. Unfortunately there were only 15 riders left by that time so
the ride stopped for that day.

But
they can’t stop us from cycling. There will be a Critical Mass every
2nd Friday of the month (in Southend-on-Sea), next meet on 12th May,
meeting point at the top of the high street 6pm, next to WHSmith’s.

All
the cyclists out there – come to support us on the next Critical Mass
and make it a pleasurable ride for everyone. Let’s show them that pedal
power is the future.

More Pics: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2006/04/338574.html