Submitted by Wild Johnny on Tue, 07/10/2007 - 22:48.
Hello, I lead the Southbay Cruiser Rides in Hermosa Beach,CA-a beach city in the Los Angeles area. We've held our cruiser rides for seven months now and we are having some success. The rides are fun and we're picking up new people with each ride. We've had no issues thus far with the police. But there are a number or related rides in So Cal -Santa Monica Critical Mass, and Downtown LA critical mass amongst them,that are starting to become targets by the police. I'm wondering what other ride leaders do on your cruiser rides to minimize conflicts with local police in your areas while still keeping the ride enjoyable.
Size, being responsible with noise, and non-anarchist vibe
Hey John,
I'm glad you posted this.
After leading the SF Cruisers through 4 seasons of rides up here in the Bay, we have never had a ride stopped by police. In fact, the only times police have said anything to me about rolling in the streets with the Soul Cycle, has been on small rides when I was out with 1 or 2 friends. And even then, it was something to the tune of "You guys can keep riding, but can you please turn your music down a little bit?"
Now maybe this has more to do with the difference in city governments up here in SF versus Southern California. But I think there are a few things Cruiser Ride leaders can do to minimize the likelihood of negative police interaction.
1. Size: Below 50 people, it seems, you are under the radar. Above 200 people, you are highly visible and probably need a parade permit or an established tradition like Critical Mass, in which there is no one organizer to talk to. Unfortunately, the model of Rock the Bike cruiser rides does not lend itself well to the 'no organizer' way of doing things. There is an organizer. In SF, it's me. In Hermosa, it's you, John. So you can't just claim "this is an unorganized ride." I think the best bet is keeping it small until you have a relationship with the police. In Boulder, CO, rides have grown to 500+ riders in the Summer months. The organizers have dealt directly with the police, and have basically said to the police "We can't control the size of the group that joins us, but we can influence the group more than you on things like traffic stops, public drinking, and litter." So let us control our own group. I don't know the exact dynamic. May Del or someone else from the Boulder Cruiser Ride can help me with this.
2. Having control of your music. All of our Soul Cycle mobile audio systems have a big fat volume knob on the handlebar-mounted controls. Theres a reason for this... It helps enormously to diffuse a potential shut-down situation if you can show respect to cops by immediately reducing the music. Not having a way to turn off your music is a huge liability.
3. Your general positive vibe on the ride is a huge factor. The ways your crew dresses and acts affect the community's perception. You want to communicate that you and your fellow cruisers are out for a good time, and not to make trouble.
Thanks Paul
This is really good feedback. I will contact the Boulder Cruiser Ride for more info. -john