My office facilitated a discussion between police commanders, Cascade Bicycle Club, and Critical Mass riders yesterday afternoon in an effort to avoid the type of confrontation that led to injuries, assault, and arrests in late July on Capitol Hill.
Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske and Assistant Chief Nick Metz participated, as did City Attorney Tom Carr, Cascade executive director Chuck Ayers, and Cascade political director David Hiller. Kerlikowske and Metz agreed that police would have a stronger presence at the next Critical Mass ride in late August and that they would be at Westlake Center (all Critical Ride events begin at Westlake) before the ride begins to answer questions and encourage safer riding practices.
Chief Kerlikowske provided an update on the police investigation of last month's incident, reporting to the group that police had submitted their case file to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's office for their review and decision on whether to file criminal charges.