By Geno Schotte Santa Monica
(Re: “Cops’ crackdown on bikers misguided,” Nov. 7, letters) There is nothing debatable to discuss with Santa Monica Critical Mass bicycle riders. It is all about rules, regulations and proper permits.
On Fridays when Santa Monica Critical Mass riders group up and ride through the streets of Santa Monica, they create traffic jams and havoc throughout the streets; riding in large groups, not stopping at intersections and occupying all automobile traffic lanes. Riding in large groups requires a permit which indicates a date, time and approved route.
The streets of Santa Monica were basically designed for the automobile. Out of courtesy, a bicycle lane was installed on some main streets to provide safety for the bicyclist. Bicycle rules and regulations must apply for these lanes also.
All large groups — bicycles, jog-a-thon, walk-a-thon — participating in the streets of Santa Monica must obtain a permit to do so.
Why is it so difficult/hard for Santa Monica Critical Mass (SMCM) to understand this? Try going to other large cities and do what they’re doing without a permit, such as Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Malibu or even downtown Los Angeles. Without a permit you must obey the rules and regulations of bicycling, and that’s riding in single file, not grouping and stopping at all stop signs and lights.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 8, 2007. Read the original PDF.