A confrontation Friday between bicyclists promoting energy conservation and an elderly couple in a van has raised concerns about the relationship between bicycle riders and motorists.

Members of Berkeley Critical Mass were riding their bikes through the intersection of Monterey Avenue and The Alameda on a green light, but the light turned red while they were still passing, the police report states.

Jason Meggs, a UC Berkeley graduate student and group organizer, said the event was peaceful until the driver intentionally accelerated towards the crowd, trapping their bikes.

Berkeley police Lt. Wesley Hester said police responded to the incident when cyclists surrounded the van, and began pounding on the vehicle, leaving the windshield cracked.

“Some of us saw no other option than to use force to stop him,” said Wynd Mulysa, who was on the ride. (more...)