Walking In Wuhan

I'd been looking forward to this since last year. I've got the big wheel and I was ready to roll on Sunday night. Looks like the fun police are already out in full force. From today's SF Chronicle:

Leaders of the loosely organized Potrero Hill event, Bring Your Own Big Wheel, were told by police last week that they need to secure an expensive event permit or participants could be given tickets at the Sunday event.

Organizers of the free event said they can't afford the permit and want to work with authorities. Still, some locals see the threat - combined with rising city fees on various activities, recent rumblings of a crackdown on "flash mob" events and efforts to tone down the zany Bay to Breakers foot race - as the end of good, homegrown fun.

Some city officials recently expressed concern that flash mobs - in which a group of people suddenly assemble in a public place for unusual acts such as pillow fights - are costing the city money and need to be regulated.

Police officials said late Tuesday that they are still reviewing the event and have not decided whether they will ticket Big Wheel riders. Organizers, who have reached out to neighbors with events such as a fundraising barbecue last week, hope to convince city officials that they can run a free and safe event without expensive permits or corporate sponsors.

"If this doesn't work out, there will be no legal way for people to get together without people paying money," lamented Tom Price, who is helping to organize the event, which will take place around the corner from his house at 20th and Vermont streets around 4 p.m.