news has spread throughout the Long Beach cycling community, indeed beyond the city’s borders, of the immediate crack-down of the most recent Long Beach Critical Mass ride.

let it be noted here, now, that Long Beach Cyclists has no stance for, nor against the Critical Mass rides which take place all over the country and around the world in many metropolitan areas. what we do stand for is abiding by all traffic laws just as motorists must. “Same Roads. Same Rights. Same Responsibilities.” you can read all about the CA vehicle code as it concerns bicycles and their drivers here [LINK]. and though it’s not a legal requirement for those of us over the age of 17, we strongly recommend the proper use of helmets while biking. I, Travis Bos, current vice-pres of this organization, do not bike without one.

if you don’t know what happened with October 29th’s Critical Mass you can read the articles already published by others here (LA Times), here (P-T), here (PedalMovement.com), and here (MashLBC.com). don’t forget to read the comments, of which there are many. this is very important dialogue occurring among cyclists.

it’s a dialogue which will be brought to Long Beach’s City Hall this Tuesday, November 9th at 5pm. our friends at PedalMovement are organizing a group to go before city council to express their concerns over this most recent clash of cyclists and non-cyclists. please, let this not be characterized as a march on city hall with picket signs and shouting and anger. these are honest citizens looking to express their concerns with a perceived contradiction in the policies and actions of “the most bicycle friendly city in America.”

PedalMovement’s plan is to meet in Lincoln Park (broadway/pacific) an hour before the council meeting to organize, clarify and galvanize their efforts. everyone will be wearing green as they step up to the podium to talk about issues such as a Cyclist’s Bill of Rights.

Ronnie Sandlin, spokesman for this issue for PedalMovement, has given his phone number for contact (562 243 2448) if you would like to be more involved. if you’d like to show up in support of bicycling in Long Beach, please remember to wear green.