Law Weblog

“Critical Mass” cycle rides lawful – Law Lords

Thursday 27 November 2008 at 8:52 am | In News | Post Comment

“Critical Mass” rides are monthly events in which cyclists have taken to the streets in London on the last Friday of every month since April 1994, in celebration of safe cycling.

The police view was (expressed on a leaflet handed out to the cyclists)

“These cycle protests are not lawful because no organiser has provided police with the necessary notification. Your participation in this event could render you liable to prosecution.”

Lord Phillips said the Green and White Papers which led to the 1986 Public Order Act were at pains to underline the importance of the right to hold processions and the need for any restrictions to respect that right.

“It is inconceivable that Parliament could have intended, by a sidewind, to outlaw events such as Critical Mass,” he said.

It is expected the events will now continue.

News report here