Why does the NYPD feel that these “parade restrictions” are needed against bicyclists? Critical mass would already be disobeying laws if they are not following the rules of the road. The police most certainly could stop them and ticket them for that.

The fact that they add the language about groups of 30+ who DO obey traffic laws makes it clear that it IS about Critical Mass, since recently, CM in Manhattan has been so small that it HAS to obey the laws. In the past, when CM would sometimes be huge, the riders felt safe enough to bully their way through traffic lights. But now, from my admittedly few recent observations, CM in Manhattan has been so small (but definitely over 30) that riders’ own safety has compelled them to obey traffic laws. If a group of cyclists are using the road legally, then there is no fair reason to create new rules to restrict their ride. Such a move against lawful cyclists must only be irrational and retaliatory, not legitimate.

I used to criticize CM a lot (as a former participant myself), but these new proposed rules, because they so obviously target even lawful cyclists, are even worse than the last ones that NYPD was forced to withdraw.

The proposed restrictions are a “back pocket” regulation which, I predict, will be enforced very selectively by the police dept.

If some form of this regulation survives court challenges, I think it is unlikely that it will be enforced to require school teachers to get parade permits when taking their classes outside, but very likely that it will be used to require groups like critical mass, or other forms of “protest” that the NYPD find politically objectionable, to go through the permit process or risk arrest.

I agree, J:Lai and Someguy–it’s easy to overlook how really dangerous a direction it is for any government in America to take. It should be fiercely and loudly opposed.

Thank you critical mass organizers. My predictions came through. On several occasions I joined your rides as I watched you taunt drivers, block intersections by turning your backs on drivers, scream “Whose Streets,Our Streets,” as opposed to everyone’s streets, prevent vehicles from getting through even when the light changed (That includes Access A Ride Vans, buses, and exhausted or sick people who needed to use a car,illegally spray paint Critical Mass and “Bicycling is Not a Crime signs on Bridges” (yes it is my bridge too and you have no right to damage it). And finally smirk when I asked if you knew anything about the spray paint. No wonder the police department wants to “Get Even,” along with the not yet cycling community!

Thanks for screwing things up. Instead of promoting cycling by winnning people over, you managed to turn people off to cyclists. And you call this advocacy! Keep laughing while I have to write letters to try to undo much of your damage.