cop body-slams cyclist

[Eden]

You've posted one of the really early accounts of the Seattle incident. A few cyclists did get out of control, but not until the driver (who was parallel parked, not corked at an intersection) drove into a group of cyclists running one over and driving with another on his windshield. The driver has since admitted to initiating the aggression by revving his engine and claims to have accidentally popped the clutch and driven into the group of cyclists, though most people don't believe that.

The events after this were unfortunate and not excusable (the drivers tires were slashed and he was hit on the head), but have been explained as a reaction caused by the widespread notion that a driver who has injured cyclists, especially a hit and run, is essentially ignored by law enforcement, thus it would be necessary to detain him themselves. I don't think that is a good excuse at all for smacking someone with a U-Lock - you could kill someone doing that and I think the cyclist who hit him and the one who slashed his tires deserved to be arrested. The one thing I don't agree with is the driver has not been charged for assaulting the cyclists. No matter what his treatment was afterwards he should also be held responsible for his actions.

It does just go to illustrate though, how bad the incident with the NY police officer was. Things like that definitely reinforce the perception that the police have a bias against cyclists, are unlikely to help you and may even harm you. If the department does not make an example of the officer relations between them and cyclists will likely suffer.

[mimitabby]

good post Eden.

I can imagine being there and being upset because i just saw that driver run over someone and then attempt to get away! what if there had been broken bones or worse? who's going to pay for that? putting holes in tires seems like a gentle way to slow down a hit and run... but hitting him? breaking out his windows?
sounds like some people forgot... and now they're going to have to pay; and unfortunately the bike haters use all that stuff as ammunition.

[Fujichants]

I am not a fan of critical mass either...I just think it gives cyclists a bad name. As for what the cop did...he was probably trying to make his mark and hence he did that.

[Mr. Bloom]

The driver has since admitted to initiating the aggression by revving his engine and claims to have accidentally popped the clutch and driven into the group of cyclists, though most people don't believe that.

I stand corrected. Thanks for clearing the record on that...my primary points in my two posts are:

• be careful in drawing parallels between the civil disobedience Gandhi/MLK and Critical Mass. Regardless of the oppressor's actions, these guys would have counseled to not fight fire with fire. (although I personally tend toward "fight" not "flight"...but I'm Italian...)
• don't trust everything we see in the media...including this video...as being the whole story.

One other point (quoting Donny & Marie): "One bad apple don't spoil the whole orchard..." I believe there are good people and bad people...there are good cops and bad cops...but I think the bad is the tiny minority.