Occupy Wall Street Warms Up to Pedal Power [VIDEO]

Grassroots movement goes off-grid after power generators are seized by the city.

October 31, 2011

A volunteer does her part for the international movement. (Photo: screenshot)

Occupy Wall Street just won’t take no for an answer.

Undeterred by last week’s surprise raid confiscating power generators and propane and gas tanks—suspiciously timed right before the first snowstorm of the season—protesters are now looking to their feet to power the movement.

“We’ve got five bike-powered generator systems that are coming from Boston and we’ve got five more plus other ones that are going to supplement as well, so we’re completely, completely off the grid,” said demonstrator Lauren Minis to CBS News.

According to cycling advocacy group Time’s Up!, the park will need 11 bike-powered generators to keep things up and running, costing a grand total of $8,000. The first five are already being built on location, with the others hopefully on the way.

As the Occupy movement continues to spread, some cities have begun to find creative ways of diffusing their momentum. In Nashville, the Republican governor recently enforced a midnight curfew, while in Denver police are citing a no-tents rule in public parks as they shower protesters with rubber bullets and pepper spray. 

Still, with two-thirds of the country in favor of more evenly distributing the nation’s wealth, it’s unlikely the movement is going away any time soon.

Want to help Occupy Wall Street secure additional bikes? Click here to donate.

Comments 7

Submitted by Climatetard on Fri, 11/04/2011 - 8:34pm
These people are fighting for such a good cause. If we can destroy capitalism then green energy will work. Because government will take our money and dump it into something that cannot sustain itself! Imagine an energy sector that is as efficient as the post office!! This is what democracy looks like!!!!

Submitted by Nickmistro on Tue, 11/01/2011 - 6:50pm
Good that they are tackling the energy issue. Hope they do likewise with their waste. I was not aware of Denver's use of their non-lethal weapons. Shame non-violent agendas often wind up like this. Also, I don't quite see what this is accomplishing other than raising awareness. These people got their hearts in the right place, but need to start using their heads. I don't think you are going to disperse a problem of this magnitude by aggravating the members with picket lines and protests. But who knows, call me a cynic.
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Submitted by shaziusman on Tue, 11/01/2011 - 2:54pm
They're certainly motivated to effect change. Interesting article!
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Submitted by shaziusman on Tue, 11/01/2011 - 2:54pm
They're certainly motivated to effect change. Interesting article!
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Submitted by shaziusman on Tue, 11/01/2011 - 2:53pm
They're certainly motivated to effect change. Interesting article!

Submitted by Alden Dalia on Tue, 11/01/2011 - 12:37pm
I totally agree Dave! I am curious to see what the next step is from here.

Submitted by david goldblum on Tue, 11/01/2011 - 12:35pm
It's inspiring to see the Movement continue to support itself by being self-sustainable.