LAPD to Join Next Critical Mass Bike Ride
Police trying to improve relations with bicyclists
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Police will take part in the next mass bicycle ride following a confrontation between police and protesting cyclists.
Following a confrontation between police officers and bicycle riders on Hollywood Boulevard, the LAPD says it will join the next Critical Mass bicycle ride.
About 400 bicyclists rode along Hollywood Boulevard on May 28 to protest the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. They were part of Critical Mass, an activist bicycling group that organizes mass rides that disrupt traffic.
Officers got into an altercation with one of the bicyclists. A videographer was apparently tackled and later filed a claim against the city. The video of the incident was posted on YouTube.
"The Department will support the rights of all persons to peacefully gather and bring attention to their cause," reads a flyer from the police department. "LAPD officers will be present to ensure the safety of all those who lawfully participate and will take enforcement action against those who violate the law or the vehicle code."
In response to the incident, an Internal Affairs investigation was launched. Chief Charlie Beck has promised better relations between police and cyclists.
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