Photo by John Hermansen.May 2009Dozens Bring Big Wheels To Vermont, The City’s Curviest StreetBy John HermansenOvercoming threats of cancellation from the San Francisco Police Department, hundreds of onlookers gathered at McKinley Square on Easter Sunday to watch dozens of adults ride plastic vehicles intended for small children down Vermont Street in what is quickly becoming a San Francisco institution. By most accounts, the ninth annual Bring Your Own Big Wheel (BYOBW) race was a success, with no reports of disorderly behavior – as feared by police – and no garbage left behind after the event was over. Spectators enjoyed a beautiful Sunday afternoon in a uniquely entertaining fashion. And those brave enough to risk injury rode tricycles, skateboards, garbage cans, and virtually any object with plastic wheels down one of the City’s steepest and curviest streets. Jon Brumit, a BYOBW organizer, launched the race by acknowledging both the police and nearby neighbors. “What you are about to do is stupid and dangerous,” he said, to roars of applause. “A lot of people worked to pull this off…There is one person who needs thanks but who is not here: Captain Loftus with the Bayview precinct. And part of this is because of the people who live on Vermont Street.” Prior to the event many neighbors expressed support for the race which had been held on Lombard Street for many years before residents of the neighborhood booted it out. Many of the big wheels used in the race were donated to the San Francisco Fire Department to be given to children. |
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