In recent months London Critical Mass sound systems have been banned from playing within the SOCPA zone but drivers are allowed to continue playing theirs.
On entering the SOCPA zone last night I turned my sounds down to about one third full volume, in a spirit of compromise, and rode to Parliament Square, which I circuited two or three times.
Seeing riders heading off towards Westminster Bridge I started to join them when I was stopped by a cop who told me to turn my sounds off. I refused saying I would turn them down instead. A short 'will-won't' exchange followed during which a small group of Massers and police formed, plus a BBC camera. It was pointed out that cars are allowed to play their sound systems in the SOCPA zone but bicycles are not. Finally it was agreed that I could continue to play my sounds at a level just audible to me above the traffic noise, for my own entertainment. Then, looking at my watch I saw it was about time to go home anyway and I departed on reasonable terms with the police while continuing to play my sounds along Whitehall.
I would like to thank those kind Massers who supported me.
Seeing riders heading off towards Westminster Bridge I started to join them when I was stopped by a cop who told me to turn my sounds off. I refused saying I would turn them down instead. A short 'will-won't' exchange followed during which a small group of Massers and police formed, plus a BBC camera. It was pointed out that cars are allowed to play their sound systems in the SOCPA zone but bicycles are not. Finally it was agreed that I could continue to play my sounds at a level just audible to me above the traffic noise, for my own entertainment. Then, looking at my watch I saw it was about time to go home anyway and I departed on reasonable terms with the police while continuing to play my sounds along Whitehall.
I would like to thank those kind Massers who supported me.
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