Critical Mass
Critical Mass cyclists were threatened with prosecution by the Metropolitan Police, but the Rights and Justice team worked with them to protect their right to continue their mass cycling events in London.
The Critical Mass cycle rides are part of a global phenomenon where cyclists in more than 300 cities worldwide take to the streets once a month in a celebration of safe cycling.
The London mass cycle ride has taken place on the last Friday of every month since 1994.
The legal action was a result of a leaflet handed out by the Metropolitan Police at a Critical Mass ride, which stated "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."
The Public Order Act 1986 requires people holding a procession to give notice to the Police in advance, unless the procession is "commonly or customarily held".
The Rights and Justice Centre acted as lawyers for Des Kay, a keen cyclist and environmental educator from Kingston, and argued that the monthly rides were not subject to the advance notification requirements because they were commonly or customarily held.
The case went all the way to the House of Lords, where the Lords found in favour of Mr Kay.
You can find out more by reading the judgement.
