LAPD to ride with Critical Mass; is this a step forward for bicycle advocacy?

I for one approve. but then again I am one of those 'uptight' bikers that obey traffic laws.

I'll start by saying I'm not a big fan of Critical Mass OR the police officers who assault Critical Mass participants.

That said, I see this as a feature and not a bug. Critical Mass just won a police escort instead of another kick or lineman tackle. I see this as a big win for Critical Mass. If the cops try to impede the path of riders, it's just going to congest the roads more which is exactly what Critical Mass wants. As such, the police will try to help make things safer and smoother for lawful participants, while making things more difficult for unlawful participants. As a result, I predict the relationship between the LAPD and lawful cyclists will improve, while unlawful cyclists will be marginalized and their negative impact on bicyclist/motorist relations reduced.

It's a good thing. :)

*edit: grammar

this sucks. critical mass was about having some beers in a park and riding around with your friends, not establishment persons transporting us across town.

I've been a part of a critical mass in which police have stopped the second half of the the group from being hit by a trolly in downtown san diego. I've seen cops get involved when a cyclist was hit by a car on a CM ride. I think as long as they don't try to constantly police the ride it will be a good thing.

I'm in that agnostic camp on Critical Mass: I appreciate the sentiment, and I might even be open to the idea that they've made the streets safer by causing people to be more alert for cyclists; however, I think it's absolutely fair to think that the event causes distrust and irritation with the cycling community (as far as the general public is concerned). Does LAPD involvement mark a positive turn of events? Will this destroy Critical Mass in LA?

I have no evidence for the latter, but my gut tells me that there's going to be a reasonable contingent who are none-too-pleased to have The Man in on it. My two cents on the matter: getting the LAPD more involved with bicycles is almost certainly a winning proposition; if we can generate respect and trust with the people who can enforce and alter driver behaviour, I can't see how that's a bad thing. But is Critical Mass the place?

Absolutely not!!! Minneapolis police have ridden with Critical Mass in minneapolis for a long time, even hand out bottles of water to riders! But it hasn't stopped them from knocking people down and breaking arms whenever they feel like it.

It will be easier for them to kick bikers if they ride with them.

I was just at the PDX Kickoff Ride last Thursday, and then a different night ride the Thursday after that. Both times, Portland police cruisers flipped on their lights and did some really pro corking for us! The police here are not usually in the middle of rides, but always on the sidelines. If someone in our group is doing something illegal (within reason), they usually just politely ask them to stop or if we're chilling, to move our party.

See also: Rev Phil