Here is the livestream I will add more as the story develops:
Tangentially related to this eviction a personal account of the bikeswarm and the march to Shemanski Park the scene of the eviction:
It occurred to me that these streets belonged, as well, to the hapless drivers waiting through several stoplight cycles for this mass of people to cross a major street. I couldn’t imagine them thinking loving thoughts about bicyclists or the Occupy movement.
On the other hand, as one young woman’s sign said, “SORRY TO INCONVENIENCE YOUR APATHY.”
But on yet another hand, I have received more than one ticket for jaywalking in Portland; they’re not cheap. So I tried, really tried, to cross on the green even though everyone around me completely disregarded the lights.
Whether or not I supported their tactics, I could see the bikers were doing a wonderful job of self-policing. They kept the walkers safe by establishing a very clear perimeter. It was impressive – you might even say professional. They waved and flashed the peace at the inconvenienced drivers, who did not seem as upset as I expected. There were more honks of support than honks of “get out of the way.” And yes, you can definitely tell the difference.
The Re-Occupy March wound through the streets for several blocks. Keeping ahead of the crowd, I was able to hear the scout-cop ahead of us on his bicycle, reporting our location on his radio. That’s when I knew the police really had no idea where the marchers were headed and I thought it was pretty amazing that such a big detail had been kept a secret by so many.
The crowd finally worked its way to Shemanski Park, a grassy block with a beautiful art-deco fountain in the middle. It’s the downtown site of the farmer’s market in warmer months. Once again, I found myself in the middle of a bunch of bikers. One guy was obviously a leader; a gaggle of bikers flocked over to him and they began to plan a route, when they noticed that a larger gaggle had already just started riding their bikes up the hill.
“Well, crap!” the guy yelled (or words to that effect) and he and his gaggle flew off to join their compatriots.
The bikers slowly circled the area, blocking one section of street and then another. It took me a couple minutes to notice people scurrying behind the bikers and into the re-occupation carrying poles, generators, and various other essential equipment. The slow-moving bike brigade was giving the re-occupiers cover to make a move that seemed pretty well-orchestrated.
I stood next to my bike and watched the assembly take shape. Hundreds of people were milling about in the square. One contingent carried a huge banner, “Occupy Portland 4 Everyone,” pointedly round and round the perimeter of the square. As I took in the spectacle, the bikers circled slowly back up to the corner where I stood, to the sound of cheers from the square. When the last biker pulled up, they cheered themselves just as loudly.