While some group rides are scrutinized and targeted for police action, other group rides that commit similar violations continue without consequence.
9:30am | In my interview with Long Beach City Manager Patrick West, which took place a few weeks ago, he explained his concerns about the City hosting Critical Mass rides. (Learn more about the history of the Critical Mass concept, read my interview with Pedal Movement co-founder Ronnie Sandlin, and my follow-up piece which includes interviews with West and others.) Specifically, he said, “What Critical Mass does is basically break the law. Once there’s a Critical Mass [of riders, they] don’t have to pay attention to traffic laws. [They are] a group that is intent on running lights and violating law.
“Our police department is empowered to enforce the vehicle code, and enforce laws, and if people are violating the vehicle code I think they’re at risk of getting tickets and they’re going to be brought to the attention of our PD. Any group that gathers with the express intent of violating the vehicle code is going to draw the attention of our police department, period.”
The Velo Allegro Cycling Club has been hosting weekly group rides every Saturday morning for many years. Riders gather in the Long Beach Marina parking lot behind the Seaport Marina Inn and, at 7:30am, start riding South East on East Marina Drive. The ride is widely publicized, and rumor has it that Mr. West himself has been known to participate from time to time.
In the video, below, you will see the beginning of the Velo Allegro ride that took place this last Saturday, February 5th. You will notice that the riders do not stop at the stop sign as they are legally required to do. At times you can see that riders are traveling more than two abreast, which is a violation of municipal code. I was not able to determine if all the bikes were registered.
The riders turn right onto North Marina Drive, then proceed through another stop sign as they turn Left onto Marina Drive, where they cross the bridge that spans the San Gabriel River, and enter Seal Beach.
I observed these behaviors on two different occasions, but saw no Long Beach Police Officers issuing citations, or impounding bicycles. This breach of law happens every Saturday morning so, although I’m not a lawyer or legal expert, intent seems very likely. Why, then, does the Long Beach Police Department turn a blind eye to this group, and focus so much attention on others, when the violations are almost exactly the same? Perhaps, when this article and video come to the attention of the Police Department, they can plan an appropriate action for next Saturday.
[Editor’s Note: According to the Long Beach Police Department, dozens of large bike rides take place each month without any permit or special clearance to ignore street laws. “Long Beach supports groups that have organized, safe rides and welcomes these rides to Long Beach,” said department spokesperson Lisa Massacani in a statement. “Long Beach must ensure the laws are followed to protect the community and cyclists.”]