If individuals or groups engage in protest actions, they are engaging in a practice endorsed by the framers of the constitution, and long held to be a human right. The degradation of the first amendment by varying forms of NIMBY outrage notwithstanding, most of us still value the right to make noise. Protest is a greater right than the right to quiet nights, if such a right exists. A harder concept – protest must not always be solemn, but can be in parallel with fun and have a party atmosphere.

Now surely there are some people who participate in rides who do not consider their action protest, but I maintain that the great elation of many is of more importance than convenience of a handful of motorists. There is no human right to convenient travel in a gas powered vehicle, and certainly none which puts the internal combustion engine above the bicycle. Freedom of movement yes, but freedom of movement to the exclusion of others rights and movement? No.

I delete your comments if and when I feel they add nothing, and merely rub salt in the wounds of LA cyclists. There is no guarantee to free speech for you on MY blog. If you want protected speech I recommend that you Get A Blog. I only let your comment remain as a means for sharpening my talons.

If it was not your group then I apologize.

Please let me say this. Any group that uses their size to bully others around them are nothing more then mere thugs. Just because you are part of a large group does not give you the right to violate laws.

All have the right to the free, peaceful use of public lands, but this right does not extend to the detriment of others.

I appreciate the fact that you heard me and only removed my post once. After all, the market place of speech should be open to all buyers and sellers.

AK

1) My Mom is a heavy sleeper, so she’d be fine.
2) Perhaps you should have picked my Dad, who is a light sleeper . . . but
3) My Dad would totally get a kick out of it.
4) Even if he did not, I would not empathize – people need a little excitement now and then.
5) Moreover, when did the need for perfect uninterrupted sleep become a reason to deploy the fun police?
6) And there is no way that Ridazz were able, or chose to, scream for more than 4 miles so it is impossible to wake all of you that live on Ballona – you exaggerate your “injury”.
7) Finally, that ride did not go on Centinela – you’re thinking of a different ride and time.
8) And we didn’t block traffic – we are traffic! Do you berate a traffic jam for blocking traffic?

For your pipe I recommend 1 part introspection and self criticism, 1 part education about traffic laws, and 2 parts analysis of the trade off between your sleep, and our right to use public space.

How would you feel if I went to your Moms house with 50 people and had them scream at midnight as they passed by.

Also, as you entered Centinela Ave., you blocked traffic and did not let cars pass. You have become (to a lesser extent) they very people you are trying to deter. (This happened several times.)

Put that in your pipe!

AK

Ummm – would that mean more Westside Bikeside readers? Then yes!

We’re handing out literature on other trail rides next Saturday…you want me to print up this article?