Critical Mass bicyclist is attacked by police

NYPD officer forcibly knocked a Critical Mass rider to the pavement last Friday. The assault was caught on video by a bystander in Times Square. Compounding the injustice, reports Gothamist, is what happened next:

A representative for TIMES UP! tells us that the cyclist in this video was arrested, held for 26 hours, and charged with attempted assault and resisting arrest.”

Mark Taylor, an attorney with the firm representing the cyclist, says he is hopeful the charges will be dropped in light of the video evidence. Asked whether the NYPD plans to go ahead with the charges, a department spokesman said the matter is being investigated. Since the video surfaced, the officer has been put on desk duty.

Watch the video below.

Officer Patrick Pogan, 22, the son of a highly respected New York City detective, apparently set his sights on – and then tackling – a bicyclist as he pedaled along Seventh Avenue as part of last Friday’s controversial Critical Mass demonstration ride.

Christopher Long, 29, was among the riders as he whizzed toward the corner of West 46th Street and appeared to try and swerve away from the officer.

Of course, the cop wasn’t gentle, I mean he was violent, but he was only doing his job. Can anyone tell me, what the point of that ride was? The demonstration ride was just naive.

Not to offend any cyclists that visit my site, I would have to mention I used to ride a bike myself when I was a teenager which was a bit more than a few years ago. I love bicycles. Really. I just don’t get a chance now as it doesn’t fit my lifestyle at the moment. And I’m saying this not to make you like me. No.

Despite the crazy things I’ve done in the past, some of which were massive and controversial, I would never participate in that Critical Mass demonstration ride. Silly.

There are some cool guys that cycle and some not so much… I don’t judge men by the vehicle. I swear! There are guys with no vehicle whatsoever and they are cool too.

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1. kakkallaka Says:
   August 1st, 2008 at 11:13 am

   miss, what is the coolest vehicle you reckon?
   bicyclists think they are some form of superfit, superbiodynamic, untouchable superheros! i prefer walking; way cooler,and you get the chance to actually absorb your surroundings. cyclists are in my experience far too self-righteous, and i know cause i do occasionally ride a bike