Critical Mass cycle ride ruled as lawful

Critical Mass, a monthly mass cycle ride through London, has been ruled as lawful by the House of Lords.

Three years ago the Metropolitan Police handed out leaflets to cyclists at a Critical Mass rides.

They stated that the rides were unlawful and that they could be prosecuted.

Cyclist Desmond Kay decided to take legal action to challenge this statement. He was represented by Friends of the Earth's Rights & Justice Centre.

Appeal taken to House of Lords

After three years the case eventually reached the House of Lords. All of the Law Lords agreed that the cycle rides are legal.

It was also held that there was no need to give advance notice of the rides, or their routes, to the police.

We are delighted that the House of Lords has unanimously upheld our argument that these monthly rides are lawful. This is an important victory for the right to peaceful protest and for cyclists to take part in this monthly celebration of cycling.

Phil Michaels,
Head of Legal, Friends of the Earth

Critical Mass

The Critical Mass Cycle Rides are part of a global phenomenon.

Cyclists in more than 400 cities worldwide take to the streets once a month in a celebration of safe cycling.

The London Critical Mass Cycle Ride has taken place on the last Friday of every month since April 1994.

This judgment will also help to protect future Critical Mass rides around the country.

Resource

Press release on the judgement:

Monthly mass cycle ride in London not unlawful, law lords rule

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