Carbusters » Action Report

The Bike Swarm: The Cavalry of the Occupy Movement

carbusters — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:13:36 +0000

On a cold November night in Portland, Oregon, as police in riot gear attempted to evacuate the Occupy campers from a downtown park, a contingent of about fifty bike riders took to the streets. Circling the blocks, slowing car traffic, riding around and around, ringing their bells, they were an important part of the struggle. The cyclists aimed to serve as a barrier between the police and the protestors and prove that the streets are for the 99%.

The cyclists that night responded to a call put out by several local activists. It was their first pubic action, and in the months since November 13th, they have engaged in various other acts of protest and celebration, fulfilling their stated goal of “putting the fun between your legs” and of being the two-wheeled cavalry of the Occupy movement. Naming themselves The Bike Swarm, the group of bikers, moving along together joyfully, was a logical addition to the protests since bikes are allowed on the street unlike protestors on foot.

What started as a single act in support of those facing eviction has developed into a coherent project, with its own actions, web site and a playful mission statement. “We are the Occu-riders, the cavalry. We fill the streets with our wheels and our voices. We are a peaceful, convivial band of riders, reminding our fellow demonstrators to stay nonviolent, excited, and diligent. As busy bees, we can fly through downtown and protect the march with our buzzing mobility. We circle sites of civil disobedience, bring messages to and fro, and draw the interest of other Portlanders – including the agents of the empire. When not in flight, we use our bikes to form a protective honeycomb around those on foot. We ride swiftly and stand strong. We are a team. We are a tactic. How can you swarm?”

The bike swarmers are a diverse group. They include men and women, students and bike mechanics. Some, such as artist and filmmaker Katherine Ball, have been involved with political activism for a long time, while for others political engagement is more recent. During a strategy session, held at a local pub, Rich Chase spoke of coming from a military family, and at one time supporting Reagan. A soldier for nine years, it was while stationed in Honduras and Korea that he began questioning the role of US bases around the globe and the war-machine. An Horizon Airlines mechanic and union activist, his involvement in a successful organizing effort convinced him that protesting and standing for one’s rights is essential.

The Swarm has made known its opinions and presence about both local and international issues. It has paid attention to transportation concerns but also to civil rights, work conditions, and war. While great strides have been made in increasing bicycle ridership and resources, Portland is still a car-dominated city. To emphasize alternative options, cyclists circled the hall where mayoral candidates were discussing issues, including a new 12-lane 3.6 billion dollar freeway bridge planned over the Colombia River. Several dozen also turned out on a snowy day to demand the right to ride bicycles in a suburban skate park. The Swarm has galvanized support from other cyclists and people concerned with civil liberties after the police confiscated the “Disco Trike” that its rider, filmmaker and activist, Dan Kaufman says has “the power to tame any crowd, cause any group of people to break out in spontaneous dance, and provide the soundtrack to the Occupy movement.“ The mayor ultimately decided to release the bike.

Other Swarm actions have included demonstrations against banks, against a possible attack on Iran, and in solidarity with immigrants, Federal postal workers facing mass layoffs as part of the privatization of their workplace, and with port workers. The latter action, on December 12th, was in support of workers whose working conditions have been under attack. During the daylong protest, riders aided in blocking the entrances to the port, helping to shut it down. Several weeks later, acting in solidarity with longshore and warehouse union workers of the Longview, Washington port, (where multi-national agri-business corporations control facilities) they again aided in blocking grain shipments meant to be unloaded by scab-workers. In February, the workers’ demands for union recognition, safe working conditions, job security, and fair wages were achieved.

Responses to the Swarm have varied. Some Portlanders, such as conservative radio talk show host Victoria Taft, have complained that “they are nothing but anarchists on wheels…they use their bikes to frighten and assault the people trying to get to work.“ After the initial ride, where obstructing the police in evicting campers was a goal, some local cyclists have said that they would prefer that bicycles not be “politicized,” to avoid a backlash against local cyclists. Bike swarmers have responded, insisting that they are committed to non-violence. A more supportive response was by Portland historian of religion and passionate cyclist, Keith Watkins: “the bicycle brigade conveyed a sense of friendly goodwill that eased tension and softened the tightness of the knots of people…By rolling along through streets jammed with people, they maintained the principle that these streets are there to provide places for traffic to flow. By their personal vulnerability on their fragile machines, they accented the importance of using modest modes of demonstrating power. “

It is impossible not to “politicize” cycling, in a society where cars, speed, and the ideology of expansion and consumption dominate. The Portland Bike Swarm along with the San Francisco Bike Cavalry are part of a long tradition of cyclists/activists contesting the use of public space and power relations. Recent incarnations include the Dutch Provos, Montreal’s Le Monde à Bicyclette, global Critical Mass rides, Reclaim the Street protests in The UK, and rides during the Copenhagen Climate Conference. At the latter, a Bike Bloc, comprised of activists including from the Laboratory of Insurrectionary Imagination, organized actions. Much earlier antecedents include late 19th century cyclists organizing for better roads and safety and groups such as The Clarion Cycling Club spreading socialist propaganda and organizing, and Suffragettes who took to the streets on their metal steeds to show that women’s place is everywhere.

The Portland riders have promoted a peaceful and positive atmosphere, as a strategy of reaching those still on the sidelines, and also as part of the Occupy movement’s values and practices. Whether the Swarm’s future actions will change if police repression increases is yet to be seen. What is clear however is that like their illustrious ancestors, the Bike Swarm is making another dent in the empire’s shield, and aiding in the toppling of those fortified walls, while having fun in the process.

———

by Alon Raab

Alon Raab rides, teaches classes on the history and culture of the bicycle (as well as religious studies courses) and is involved in environmental and peace work, in Portland, Oregon. He is currently co-editing an anthology of global bicycle literature.

For more information on the BikeSwarm and future actions see http://www.pdxbikeswarm.org/

Occupy Portland Encampment Eviction Protest & Bike Swarm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlKwSgl9K8Y

Swarm the Port! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGirwETgUdg

Undriver Licensing™: Creating Enthusiasm about Not Driving

carbusters — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:08:26 +0000

Undriver License

“Want to get your Undriver License™?” This question usually elicits either a surprised “huh?” or a broad smile from visitors to the Undriver Licensing Station™. Wherever it goes – festivals, community events, schools, employee transportation fairs – the Undriving™ program playfully nudges people of all ages to reconsider their transportation choices and get creative about getting around.

Since 2007, the Seattle, WA-based nonprofit, Undriving.org, has issued over 8,000 Undriver Licenses™ to people who make a pledge to reduce car use in the coming month. This positive, empowering approach leads directly to behavior change: 96 percent of Undrivers surveyed report following through on their pledges, and 72 percent report establishing a new transportation habit as a result of the program.

We can all be Undrivers, whether we drive every day or don’t own a car. A committed cyclist might pledge to talk to five people about the joys of bike commuting, while someone who needs to commute by car might pledge to try walking to the grocery store, or not driving on Sundays. The scale of the pledge is less important than the process of experimenting and seeing what we discover.

That the pledge is self-determined, and that it’s framed as an experiment, are both key to the program’s success. At the Station we might offer examples of what other Undrivers have pledged as thought-starters – but each Undriver comes up with his or her own pledge. And as an experiment, we’re trying something new, but we don’t know what the outcome will be.

One Undriver pledged to try bussing to work three days a week, even though this would involve two transfers and 1-1/2 hours each way. After a couple of tries, she decided this was just not practical, so she reverted to driving. Failed experiment? Well, back behind the wheel, she found herself feeling so guilty now that her awareness had been increased, that she decided to change jobs so she could work closer to home. Now she walks to work!

We’ve noticed that one change often leads to another. After discovering that bussing or biking to work is actually practical and desirable, many Undrivers start using that mode for other trips, too. One family pledged to leave their second car parked for a month, and try using bikes, walking, carpools, and transit more often. They discovered they really didn’t need the second car – so they sold it!

Undrivers regularly discover multiple benefits from Undriving, some of them unexpected. One woman pledged to try taking the bus to work. First she noticed that her stress level and expenses both went down considerably. Then, she found a wonderful community at her bus stop every morning! She now loves leaving her car at home when she goes downtown. Another Undriver pledged to try commuting by bicycle. He found that he arrived at work with more energy, and he lost weight, too. We might be motivated to get licensed by a concern about climate change, and discover how Undriving benefits our health, community connectedness, stress level, and wallets, as well as the planet.

Undriving.org in Portland, USA

Undriving sparks people’s curiosity, and helps them to tap into their creativity and resourcefulness (which all of us have in spades, whether we realize it or not). I am continually amazed by what Undrivers come up with. One car-free bicycling advocate pledged to teach an adult how to ride a bike – what a gift! Another woman’s pledge was to “get directions before I leave.” Ha! Think of all the miles she won’t drive as a result. Another creative pledge: “Freeze my car keys in a block of ice!”

One Undriver, Jon Ramer, described the Undriving pledging process as “Un-learning.” He thought about what he could do to drive less, and realized that every time he left his house, he got in his car. So his pledge was – to take his car key off his key ring! For the month, when he got to the door, he had to stop and think: do I really need my car for this trip? This simple pledge led to a whole new lifestyle. He and his wife now walk and bike much more than they did before – since he’s broken his own thought-pattern. (Watch this video of Jon’s story)

The license itself is a great reminder to Undrivers to get creative about getting around on a daily basis. It’s also a great a conversation-starter – a positive, non-confrontational way to talk with others about their car use. Undrivers are putting their licenses on commuter bags, backpacks, and Facebook pages, which opens them up to conversations with friends and strangers who ask, What’s that? One Undriver said, “I feel like you gave us permission to raise the issue with others.” Yes!

We’ve created quite a buzz since our launch in 2007, garnering press coverage on the radio, TV, in the New York Times, and even in Spain. We’ve also fielded inquiries from organizations around the country (and beyond), about utilizing the Undriver Licensing program.

We are now in the process of putting this proven program into the hands of organizations that have a mandate to reduce car use and could use a creative way to engage with their communities. Our first Official Licensing Partner, Intercity Transit in Thurston County, Washington, is now successfully utilizing Undriver Licensing™ in their work with employers around Commute Trip Reduction, in four school districts alongside their Safe Routes to School programming, and at public events to increase transit ridership. (If you know of an organization that would be interested in Undriver Licensing™, have them contact us.)

My own personal journey with Undriving began a couple years before Undriving was born. Seven years ago, I had a 1987 Honda Civic hatchback, that I envisioned going for another 100,000 miles. Until – I had a car accident, that was my fault. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, but my 17-year-old car was totaled. First I decided not to repair it, and then, not to replace it. But I was not going car-free from a place of empowered choice. Rather, I was doing this out of fear, of my own capacity to be so inattentive. And, I feared that my life as I knew it, was over: I would not be able to do many of the things I loved to do, that I got to by car.

Well, you can imagine how this played out. Of course, it turned out that many destinations were walkable, others were bikeable, and transit filled in most of the other gaps, very well, thank you. Some activities required creative solutions: collaborating with others, catching a ride, or staying overnight with friends when I couldn’t make things work otherwise. And all this led to more connectedness – with people I wouldn’t otherwise have met, with nature, and with the world around me. I also am saving considerable money not owning a car. Buying new tires, replacing the alternator, having insurance – these were all “necessary expenses” with car ownership. It had never occurred to me that the car ownership itself was optional.

These are the kinds of discoveries that Undrivers are making every day through the Undriver Licensing process – but from a much more empowered place than I did.

I see Undriving as an ongoing process – an awareness practice, even. A couple years ago, a friend was coming over to pick me up, so we could go to the movies. All of a sudden it hit me: the miles she was driving, between her house and mine, were my miles! If I was going to take responsibility for my own transportation, I needed to go to her house and we could go from there. Or, better yet, I could invite her to bike or bus with me.

I’d never been aware of this before. And until we are aware of something, we can’t take action on it. This is part of what I love about Undriving. It opens us up to new possibilities, broadens our awareness, and invites us to question our assumptions. Is the bus too inconvenient? Is riding in the rain really that miserable? One woman, a frequent bike commuter, made a pledge to get good raingear. A month later, she reported: “I got over the idea that riding in the rain was too uncomfortable. Now I ride rain or shine!”

Our vision is of a world where more and more people are awake to our own curiosity and resourcefulness – experimenting with reducing our own car use, as well as supporting others to take their own next step, wherever we each are on the Undriving spectrum.

What’s your Undriving pledge? Visit Undriving.org and get licensed to Undrive!

— by Julia Field

Julia Field is Founder/Program Director of Undriving.org. After a car accident seven years ago left her car-free, Julia discovered her calling in Undriving.

For more information on Undriving, visit http://www.undriving.org, “Like” us on Facebook –

http://www.facebook.com/Undriving, and follow us on Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/

Undriving.

A Transport of Delight

carbusters — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:35:02 +0000

Venice - a great car-free city - Alan Wakeman

I’ve spent much of my life trying to cajole politicians into common sense policies on cars in cities and, with a London mayoral election due in 2012, have recently distilled five decades of reflections on this topic into 2 sheets of A4 and sent them to my MP, my MEP and both declared mayoral candidates. To make up your own mind, here’s what I’ve sent them. I’ve called my document: A Transport of Delight…

A Transport of Delight*

Despite the presence of historic village names on the TFL route map few Londoners realise their buses still trace ancient parish boundaries that have survived two world wars and centuries of urban sprawl. Yet, when asked where they live, residents of Battersea and Bloomsbury, Hackney and Hoxton, Sydenham and Soho, consistently name their villages as their home. So why has transport planning relentlessly treated London’s villages as routes not
destinations?

I propose that policies that acknowledge and reward Londoners’ enduring village loyalty would improve all residents’ and visitors’ sense of place wherever they went in our amazing, two-thousand-year-old city. I further propose that such policies be offered in itemised village referenda on detailed practical methods of enhancing each village’s environment. If such policies proved acceptable London’s villages might become virtually car-free and walking in
the street would cease to be a battle and become a pleasure.

To accomplish this desirable outcome I propose individual Village Referenda on…

Ø Conversion of existing car parks to village warehousing & delivery centres enabling:
Ø Local delivery of all goods at user’s convenience by silent, fume-free electric trucks.
Ø Signed taxi routes to village cab ranks.
Ø Signed cohesive cycle routes.
Ø Where residents vote for it, implementation of their streets as public gardens.
Ø Tree-planting.
Ø Street tidies – combined planting, seating and waste-recycling points.
Ø Removal of all redundant traffic signs.
Ø Access to pedestrians and cyclists only (with the above exceptions).

In addition I propose individual Village Referenda on…

Ø Green walkways between neighbouring villages.
Ø Continuous cohesive bicycle routes between villages.
Ø Integrated ticketing on all public transport with simple transverse and radial interchange.
Ø Integration of Thames ferry-boats with other public transport.
Ø Pedestrian-friendly interchanges at all main transport hubs including riverside piers.

*Flanders & Swan song about London’s Red Buses

How to apply these proposals to my village:-

—- Alan Wakeman

Women on Wheels: A liberating Ride in Dhaka, Bangladesh

carbusters — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:09:44 +0000

Women on Wheels

On Friday, 25th February, 2011, a group of about 50 women—mostly foreigners but with several Bangladeshis—took to the streets of Dhaka on bicycle. The ride was organized by a new group called Arohi (aa-row-hee, from the Bengali word for “rider” and the Sanskrit root “aarohana” meaning ascendance); it was their first ride.

When I first heard about the ride, I hadn’t planned to join. I haven’t cycled in Dhaka in years. The traffic is generally horrendous, and when it moves more smoothly, the speed and aggressive attitude of the drivers makes it terrifying to be vulnerable on a bicycle. Long ago were the pleasant Friday mornings when a few of us would cycle together to and around the Dhaka University campus, have breakfast at a friend’s home, then race home amidst the buses and cars.

But the organizer was so enthused, and all the women cyclists I talked to were so eager, I finally broke down and agreed to go, on my signature red folding bike. After all, there is safety both in numbers and in sticking out. So at 9 a.m. a group of young women gathered in front of the office of WBB to borrow bikes, then rode together to an art gallery, where we were delighted to find a crowd of women and bikes. Altogether there were about 30 of us, a mix of nationalities, languages, and clothing styles….but all eager to ride.

Getting to our destination, a monument on the Dhaka University campus, involved a few hairy spots. I gained confidence as I rode and happily manoeuvred between the cars and rickshaws (and less happily avoided the buses…Dhaka bus drivers unfortunately seem to have little respect for human life), but for those unused to riding in traffic, the experience must not have been so pleasant. But all around there were smiles. I found myself dancing on the bike, kicking out my feet, waving my arms, and shouting slogans: Women cycle! (It is considered unacceptable in Dhaka, and many other parts of Bangladesh, for women to ride bikes.) Cycling is independence! Cycling is joy! We are traffic!

It was hard not to get caught up in the exuberance of it all. The young Bangladeshi women whom we had taught to cycle in our bike training program were brimming over with enthusiasm: when will we do this again??? Riding home, I was on a long stretch of straight, flat, and fairly empty road. I raced, pumping hard, enjoying the adrenaline and the feeling of strength in my legs and lungs. Normally now I only ride a stationary bike, a pathetic substitute for the real thing. It felt like all the sessions on that bike, boring as they are, were practice for this exhilarating moment.

I wanted more. I wanted cycling to be part of my daily routine. The city would shrink. All sorts of places I never or rarely visit would be accessible. Exercise would be fun and wouldn’t require extra time, as it now does. These are all selfish motives. But the group that organized the ride has a deeper mission. Arohi seeks to promote cycling for women in Bangladesh. They wish to break the stigma associated with women cycling. They wish to promote freedom of mobility for women. For low income women, the time it takes to walk everywhere, and the expense and discomfort of buses, are both unaffordable. Being able to ride a bike would mean so much to such women. What to me is pure recreation and fun is to many the first step towards mobility and independence.

I hope Arohi succeeds in its goal. Not only would it make a world of difference for women, but a strong presence demanding safe conditions for cycling in Dhaka could contribute towards making cycling safe for everyone. Bless you, Arohi!

–Debra Efroymson

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/arohicycling

Blog: http://arohicycling.wordpress.com

A Free Ride is a Fun Ride!

carbusters — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 19:53:29 +0000

This year the international free public transport day took place on Saturday the 6th of March, and to celebrate it the Swedish commuter organisation Planka.nu arranged a huge – and free! – subway party. The idea was to raise awareness of the free public transport day and the question of making the public transport free, but also to celebrate and increase the feeling of community amongst the commuters in Stockholm.

We boarded the subway train at its first station and dressed it in pink garlands, balloons and Planka.nu merchandise. Then we turned up the volume on our newly released dubstep remix of the 70’s hit single “Love Train” from The O’Jays to welcome everyone boarding the train at the next station, Stockholm Central.

By first making their way into the subway for free and then jumping on the pink party train, all commuters going from the centre of Stockholm out into the suburbs could start their Saturday night party in the subway! Together we partied and celebrated a day of resistance to the fare-society.

The public transport is a place where Stockholmers spend a lot of time, and we wanted it to be more fun, more welcoming… and more pink! In the words of the former major, and founding father of the subway in Stockholm, the late Hjalmar Mehr: “Public transport is built for the common people, it is the carfree’s daily traffic route, every ride should be a feast, every station a colorful fairy castle!”

Alexander Berthelsen www.planka.nu

Carfree in Kalk Bay, Cape Town

carbusters — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:34:40 +0000

One day every March, for 35,000 people in Cape Town and their supporters and families, it is “all about the bike”, as the city hosts the world’s largest individually-timed bicycle race.

But, for everyone else within hearing distance of the race, it is all about the car – and how to get by without it. That’s because Cape Town – not a city particularly friendly toward cyclists on every other day – closes some 120km or so of freeway and suburban roads to vehicles.

This year, a collection of non-racing cyclists decided to cash in on Cape Town’s “accidental” annual carfree day and make it “official”, laying claim to a little strip of main road between the Kalk Bay harbour, the beach and the city’s most picturesque rail line on the one side, and the race-route on the other. Traffic police kept private cars out at the cycle tour end, and orange bollards and a security guard discouraged cars at the other. And so it happened that the bookshop, the baker and the pancake maker did a brisk trade for passers-by, dog walkers and race-watchers; children (and a few grown-ups) drew chalk patterns on the tar, and Sunday morning felt suitably slow-paced and carfree. Far more effective than a road sign-post saying, “slow down, children playing”, is, er, children playing.

“Where do you usually ride?”, I asked one small boy in a crash helmet. “Nowhere”, he said. “It’s my first time.” Then he laid down on his skateboard to recover…

Gail Jennings

Bureau Of Organized Bikelane Safety

carbusters — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:35:33 +0000

On Friday, March 19th, agent-technicians from the Bureau Of Organized Bikelane Safety (B.O.O.B.S.) descended by bicycle on the intersection of Broadway and 23rd Street in New York. The B.O.O.B.S. is charged with clean-up and removal of all gas-guzzling, dangerous vehicles illegally parked in and polluting city bike lanes. While preparing to patrol, multiple members of the media competed for the inside scoop on the B.O.O.B.S. Several civilian bicyclist supporters joined the ride in hopes of seeing the action.

The agents slowly proceeded up 6th Avenue, targeted for clean-up due to noxious amounts of motor vehicle traffic. Though encountering an estimated average of 1.5 toxic obstructions per block, the B.O.O.B.S. team found that the bikelane contamination level, while still very hazardous, was less than expected. It only takes one toxic obstruction to sully the utility and beauty of a bikelane. Several obstructions were only partial, and removal was generally prompt as the team employed clean-up methods including gentle reminders to polluters of the law regarding bikelanes. A choreographed de-briefing occurred at the end of the patrol.

The B.O.O.B.S. is hard at work to clean up these pollutants which disrupt the delicate urban environment, but it will take some major inter-agency cooperation to prevent all the Class II bikelanes in New York City from being declared Superfund sites.

Time’s Up! www.times-up.org

Munich’s First Bike Night

carbusters — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 10:42:20 +0000

About 4,000 bikers took part in Munich’s first Bike Night – an approximately four kilometre long bike tour around the city centre along prominent roads and boulevards. It was the kick-off event for Munich’s ambitious bike campaign: Munich wants to become the “bike capital“ of Europe. For about two hours, the roads and the city tunnel around the city centre were blocked for cars, so only bikers – dressed up in bright colors and funny hats, with creatively decorated and brightly flashing and blinking bikes – conquered the streets of Munich’s inner circle. It was a very novel and fascinating sight, as the inner circle is usually buzzing with cars jamming the road and deafening the fearful pedestrian and biker with reckless drivers honking their horns. But this time, it was the bikers ringing their bells and blowing their whistles: the bikers were in power.

The biking campaign of the city of Munich aims to promote the use of bikes within the city and to enhance the safety of bikers. The city council has increased the financial resources available for the expansion and development of a safe biking infrastructure within the city. Further events like the streetcasting activity “Munich Biking Idol” and the Bicycle Film Festival in December 2010 want to involve the citizens of Munich actively and directly in the campaign. Biking is not only celebrated as a means of getting from A to B, but first and foremost as a modern lifestyle.

Svenja von Gierke

One Scrap of Fleece

carbusters — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:34:30 +0000

Little things, like a handful of fleece, can make a big difference. In Chicago, bicycle activists from Break the Gridlock helped fair weather cyclists stay in the saddle year round with simple gifts of homemade head gear.

Ten years ago, Bike Winter emerged from Chicago’s Critical Mass community as a way to encourage people to keep cycling as the temperature plummets. At one of the early classes, we gave away colourful fleece balaclavas. They were a huge hit. Each year, we made another batch, but knew the demand was far greater than our capacity.

Willow naceo received one of those early balaclavas and decided to give back. She buys and scavenges fleece, burns up her scissors and sewing machine, and dresses as Santa to share Bike Winter cheer and gifts. “That balaclava made my first Bike Winter cuddly and warm. If something as simple as a free fleece goody can keep more cyclists on their bikes, I want to help spread the warmth,” explains willow.

In honour of Bike Winter’s 10th anniversary, Santa willow decided to leave no cyclist’s ears uncovered. She drained her savings account buying material and organised craft nights. “It is amazing how quickly a small group of volunteers can cut balaclavas in an evening of eating, drinking and socialising.” We have distributed over 2,000 fleece freebies this winter, helping one person at a time discover the joys of winter cycling and living carfree.

Gin Kilgore, bikewinter.org

Defending Pedestrians

carbusters — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:12:06 +0000

This February, 23 activists from Green Action and the Right to the City initiative in Zagreb, Croatia were arrested. The raid took place just hours after around 4000 people had turned out to protest against turning part of the pedestrian zone into a ramp for an underground garage.

The operation aimed to remove the accommodation container which the groups had put oan a pedestrian zone as an info-point in order to block the beginning of works on the ramp, which is still under legal dispute. Activists inside of the container and on the roof peacefully resisted removal by locking themselves together using arm tubes, and were arrested after the fire brigade cut the tubes. At the same time, 50 activists blocked the road exits for the lorry carrying the container but were also removed by the police.

The police also destroyed a five-metre high trojan horse which had been brought to the site as a symbol of private interests and corruption masquerading as urban redevelopment.

“Using riot police against a small group of peaceful protesters is a disturbing over-reaction to the civil offence of failing to obtain permission before temporarily placing the container in the pedestrian zone”, said Teodor Celakoski from Right to the City. “The whole project is based on dubious legal manoeuvres such as the city authorities’ decision to declare it a project of public interest when it is clearly nothing of the kind”

nedamovarsavsku.net