Treehugger - Latest Comments in Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Jim Gonzales — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 20:32:02 -0000

You're idiot Democrats in California instead of trying to improve the situation are only making it worse by passing stupid laws like "distracted walking" so now you can't even walk down the street without a cop having an excuse to harass you.

Why are you messing with me officer? You were distracted while walking now give me your Id and let me search you.

First good step is end the drug war and all these retarded laws that are easily abused by the police. The Democrats though love their all powerful government and their thug enforcers we call police.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

bikerkitty — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:17:06 -0000

Non-violent?

The critical mass here in San Francisco is far from peaceful and non-violent.

I got hit while waiting for them to pass one evening. I was standing on the sidewalk and one of them ran me down. Didn't even pause to apologize or see if I was ok, because he hit me on purpose. I was a pedestrian on the sidewalk and he aimed. And other times I narrowly missed being hit by a bicyclist went I was walking, both during critical mass events, and walking on the sidewalk, or also crossing in the crosswalk.

And then there was the attack on the minivan last year. Which was hardly non-violent.

These events are out of control. All it's done is made me angry at them and dislike bicyclists more. Most of them don't bother to follow the rules of the road, that's why people are angry. They run a stop sign and then flip you off because you are already in the intersection. This type of behavior means that generally it's unsafe to ride in San Francisco because people driving cars are so feed up with the bicyclists. I have a bicycle. I haven't ridden it in years because of the road rage created by other bicyclists who have decided they don't need to follow the rules.

And here in San Francisco critical mass has become an excuse to riot through the city on bicycles and run down pedestrians and attack people. That's really not ok.

So while this is unrelated to this particular incident, I can certainly understand being hostile toward this event. It used to be amusing and sort of fun. Now it just seems like an excuse to run people down.

This has gotten really out of control.

If you're riding please follow the rules of the road. Put lights on your bicycle so cars can see you. Stop at the stop signs and stop lights. And don't run down pedestrians.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

BMOC — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:11:52 -0000

There is something wrong with you people who say don’t cry when something like this happens. And who say this is bound to happen anytime a protest event like this happens. What you don’t agree with is that these people are not breaking the law. A bike is considered a vehicle by the DOT, and has to obey the same laws as motorists. I do agree that they are breaking the law by running red lights, but that is it. The only reason they get pissed and yell and taunt motorists is because you guys don't share the road. The bicycles are vehicles too. Just because there are so many cyclists in the road is no reason to get upset. It’s just like being in a traffic jam with cars and trucks, but they are on bikes. Critical Mass is just part of living in a big city on a busy street, if you don’t like it get the fuck out. Nobody forced you to live where you do; you chose to move where you did. Oh and "they actually add to pollution by block and deadlocking traffic, leading to more idling cars on the road". Come the fuck on, are you serious? They don't add to the pollution any more then a typical accident holding up traffic, which is bound to happen anyway if the cyclist were not in the way. You people are so fucking stupid.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

fukdalaw — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 14:04:24 -0000

yo cops now days think they have the right to lie and put us in the system for something that really didnt happen. they do that cause there pigs. This guy needs to be fired or we the people shall stand up and take over this governemnt oureslves. theres more regular people then rich and powerful people. we should strip em all of their power

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Anonymous — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:18:17 -0000

I hope I hit the lotto some day like that cyclist. That cop is pure kaching$. With my luck, a dog will bite me and I'll get paid for that, but lose a leg.

How would a cop wake up thinking he might even do that???

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Steve — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:18:16 -0000

The cop was wrong, but still.....

Critical mass is where people get together to show off their colored chains.

I was watching a movie at 1am on a Friday last week. I hear a crowd of people yelling. I look outside. I see some people whizzing by on bikes. Then I hear honking. I get up and go to the porch. Now there is a steady stream of people, at 1am yelling while people take turns looking cool skidding in front of a stopped car. Now some the neighbors are out too. Now there are 3 cars honking. Now there are more neighbors out. Now there are more loud people on bikes. I ride a fixed gear bike to work. I like biking around....I was hit by a car last Monday. I think the city needs to make LA more bike friendly. I don't think any good came out of causing a ruckus at 1 am.

It really does make me feel guilty for being associated with such wingnuts. When it comes time to go to a city meeting to discuss something actually relevant to biking in LA where is this mass of people? Polishing their rims and color coordinating their bike components. Not all the people but man, a lot of them.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Anonymous — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:08:56 -0000

What the hell were the cops doing standing in the middle of a 1 way street? This cop was looking for trouble- and when he couldnt find it- he manufactured it. Hope he loses his job, and the cyclist gets compensated for his suffering.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

MattKelly — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:15:02 -0000

The policeman is quite lucky that Mr. Long did not suffer serious bodily injury. With a body check like that, tumbling from a bicycle at that speed could have caused a broken bone, a concussion, perhaps hitting a pole or curb and knocking out teeth or worse. In such a case, based on the video, a jury who viewed it I believe would surely find the individual policeman as well as the city quite liable to a hefty judgement award against them both.

that being said, I am not a fan of Critical Mass myself, even though I support bicyclists rights. Any activism that breaks laws to raise awareness of other laws which puts others in danger, to me, is not an appropriate response.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

dr2chase — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:16:07 -0000

If the NYPD doesn't get rid of this cop, it will reflect badly on them. Any time any cyclist says: "we don't trust the police", all they need to do to explain themselves is point to this video, and the officer's continuing employment with the NYPD.

The cyclist should not need to press charges or file any official complaint. He should receive all his attorney's fees, all his medical expenses, a small award to cover damages/time lost, and an formal apology (nicely printed and framed, that would help). The video is there for all to see, and if the NYPD cannot act on that, they deserve the damage to their reputation.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Michael in ATX — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:41:20 -0000

to px:

I completely agree. As an avid cyclist, I HATE CRITICAL MASS. They give all cyclists a bad name by breaking every traffic law they can. Further, they actually add to pollution by block and deadlocking traffic, leading to more idling cars on the road. I live in Austin, TX and they are awful here!

However, that cop should be held accountable on both a civil and criminal basis. Assault (criminal) and battery (civil) should definitely be thrown at him. I also like the idea from a previous poster - behavior unbecoming of an officer!

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

OrganicCat — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:40:13 -0000

To the people who think the bicyclist "could have assaulted or stolen a purse" where we can't see...are you watching the same video I am?

The cops start making a move toward one side of the street, one of them, with NO WARNING WHATSOEVER, including NO VERBAL OR BODY LANGUAGE checks a bicyclist into the sidewalk. Please tell me on what planet you live on where given this situation that was appropriate behavoir. The cop was CLEARLY setting up just to hit him as he kept his arms close to his body without so much as putting his hand up and saying "Stop". If he was assaulting someone, don't you think the other cop would have done something as well? Instead of say, calmly walking over to the side? Maybe block the other side of the road? It's not that big.

I could care less about CM. Maybe they're horrible street, terrorists, maybe not, I haven't heard about them before now. But what went on here, without a doubt, was a cop illegally using a massive abuse of power to ASSAULT someone else. If you think otherwise, I wouldn't trust your judgment to save my life.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

someone else — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:30:47 -0000

The actual news story in the New York Times, says that the cop is now on desk duty - not fired. And apparently, at least for now, it looks as though the cyclist isn't filing charges - just trying to get those against him dropped...

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/apon...

Abridged story: NEW YORK (AP) --

The officer in the video was placed on desk duty pending the outcome of a police department investigation, chief police spokesman Paul Browne said. The officer's name wasn't released.

The biker, Christopher Long, of Hoboken, N.J., was arrested because he was obstructing traffic in the heart of Times Square, a criminal complaint said. He was charged with attempted assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

The complaint said Long, 29, deliberately steered his bicycle into the officer, causing both of them to fall to the ground.

Long's lawyer, David Rankin, said he hopes the Manhattan district attorney's office will drop the charges. The district attorney's office said it was investigating.

Long's next court date was set for Sept. 5.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Danny — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:37:25 -0000

If there is a problem with this group, one cop randomly selecting someone to make an example of is not the proper way to proceed from the point of view of law enforcement. If that was the case, then NYPD should have had multiple uniformed officers there to arrest anyone willfully breaking the law with this protest. Specific instances of violence against citizens or police officers would have naturally dealt with in a more stern manner.

I know nothing of the group Critical Mass. They don't seem to pop up on the radar that often from my experience. However, if the stories that I have heard from other posters are true, then action should be taken by any person assaulted or witnessing illegal actions. This action would be reporting it to law enforcement. If you say nothing, nothing will happen.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Tim H — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:27:26 -0000

@ Jason

"Critical Mass cyclists, find a way that is not disruptive to demonstrate your views."

Isn't the point of Critical Mass to raise awareness that cyclists do not have an equal right to the road, despite the law stating that they do? Isn't the point to raise awareness of the disruption and destruction that automobile traffic causes? Non-disruptive ways, as you call it, don't work. People have tried less disruptive ways to demonstrate their views, and they get arrested as well (see Reverend Billy's Union Square arrest for reciting, of all things, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution).

NYPD has antagonized Critical Mass before, blockading routes, rounding up cyclists, and throwing them in jail, oftentimes leaving their bikes on the side of the road to get stolen (a major problem in NYC due to a lack of bike parking infrastructure). This is an egregious misuse of power.

Like Critical Mass or not, there is no indication that the cyclists warranted the treatment that he received. Perhaps NYPD should start tackling pedestrians who daily block traffic when they walk on Don't Walk signals or jaywalk, or ram cars that speed, don't signal properly, honk their horns (illegal in New York), block the box, run yellow (and red) lights, double park, block bike lanes, etc. Of course, requisite jailtime and a resist arrest charge would all be part of the operation. How does the officer's reaction seem now? Wouldn't that be the equivalent response to pedestrians and drivers disobeying the law?

Are their cyclists who don't obey traffic laws? Absolutely, and I will be the first to complain about it, and shake my fist in their general direction, for issues of safety and the belief that traffic laws are to be obeyed. But does that warrant this type of response? Do speeders get this kind of treatment?

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Ragnar Roeck — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:31:23 -0000

In no way the cop should have done that, but this guy needs to learn how to bike, in the slomo he doesn't seem to break at all. In inner city I always have my hands on both breaks, too many sleepwalkers around.

PS: Where the heck are the bike lights on half of those bikes? Are you people stupid or what? I don't know if you need bike lights in the US, but give others at least a chance to see you and predict your speed at night. Maybe the cop wanted to pick him out because of that and saw he didn't slew down? Still no need for Rambo behaviour.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

greendoughnuts — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:05:15 -0000

@PX

You pulled a gun on citizens and still have your permit to carry a weapon? You are lucky there wasn't a cop and videographer near you. YOU would be in jail right now. There is no way a bicyclist could threaten you enough to warrant that strong of force.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Allie — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 07:23:49 -0000

1.There is no excuse for how the police officer behaved. The fact that he was sanctioned probably means he wasn't told to stop that particular (innocent) cyclist.

2.I ride a bike to work. It is an important tool for me and now I can't have a simple "Tomorrow, instead of driving, try riding a bike" shirt without being mistaken for a delinquent.

Thank you Critical Mass...

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Jason — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 07:11:27 -0000

Yes, I agree the policeman's actions were wrong and he could have handled the situation in a much less severe manner. But, do not portray these cyclists as innocent. It appears to me the cyclists are disrupting traffic, swerving in between automobiles, and not using turn signals when changing lanes. Remember, bicycles are supposed to obey the normal traffic laws, also. These cyclists deserve to be, at least, ticketed. As I said before, the policeman is wrong, but these cyclists seem to be wanting to instigate negative responses with their actions. Critical Mass cyclists, find a way that is not disruptive to demonstrate your views.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Jase — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:25:42 -0000

Welcome to the unemployment line Mr Plod

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Anonymous — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:47:41 -0000

That cop is my hero! They should give him a medal.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

R N — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:36:41 -0000

Did anyone ask the cop WHY he did that? I think this story is incomplete until everyone involved is heard.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Anonymous — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 02:15:59 -0000

"I've heard that YouTube is banned in some countries (Turkey, China, et al) no doubt to thwart publicity of abuse of power like this. Kudos to NYPD for taking swift action after the fact."

Nay, I'm in China right now and YouTube isn't banned in China (although certain blog websites don't load for me, so I think some are blocked).

I'm glad that cop got caught, well deserved. I saw a cop car hit a cyclist here in China, and it was kind of funny because the cop was so mad at the cyclist for weaving in between traffic. He just stared the cyclist down as he picked his bike up and packages off the road. Moral of the story? Stay clear of cops. They're crazy.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

Jason — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 02:08:11 -0000

Don't get to ra-ra yet. I think it's SOP to put a cop on suspension whenever there's an investigation into their actions.

Until and unless he's actually cited, any lack of badge and weapon he is currently experiencing is a temporary thing.

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

bluegreen — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:11:53 -0000

This isn't the first incident of the NYPD abusing cyclists or civil rights in general. From the news I read, there doesn't seem to be any serious effort by the NYPD to root out abuses of power within the department, only public hand waving and protecting their own.

Jon K - whether or not you agree with CM as a means of non-violent protest, when is abuse of power justified? Last time I checked, the U.S. was still (nominally) a nation of laws. May be you would like to be on the receiving end of police abuse someday?

Re: Cop Attacks Cyclist, Charges Him with \"Resisting Arrest\"

jones — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:49:16 -0000

I could see him resisting arrest when he swerved to avoid running over the cop. Damn Liberals