"[from the NYCLU Web site]
NYPD Modifies Proposed Parade Permit Rules
January 26, 2007 -- In response to objections raised by the New York Civil Liberties Union and other groups, the New York City Police Department has modified its proposal to expand the categories of bike and vehicle processions that would require parade permits.
In regulations originally proposed last summer, the Department sought to require police permits for sidewalk marches, any lawful street procession of 20 more bikes or vehicles, and any street procession of more than two people where any traffic law was violated. In final regulations published today the Department narrowed its proposal so that the only events requiring parade permits are roadway processions of 50 or more bikes or vehicles.
""These final rules mark a substantial improvement from the Department's original proposal, but we believe that requiring permits for law-abiding bike rides of only 50 people is unreasonable and unnecessary,"" NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman said. ""Changes to our City's permit laws should be made by the City Council, not the police department.""
Added NYCLU Associate Legal Director Christopher Dunn: ""We welcome the Department's change but remain concerned about how difficult it is for groups to obtain police permits. We will closely monitor implementation of these rules.""
More at http://www.nyclu.org/nypd_parade_permits_pr_012607.html
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I am informed that this rule will become effective in 30 days if ""procedural requirements relating to rulemaking"" were observed. And that it applies to cyclists, pedestrians, and cars in the ""street or roadway.""
Anyone suppose the cops will enforce the rule for automobiles? Har har. Here comes another long cycle of lawsuits. My earlier optimism was clearly misplaced.
(Challenges are already in the works -- now is a great time to contribute to the volunteer lawyers at the Bicycle Defense Fund if you haven't already.)
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Press conference with cycling-friendly City Council members will take place Wed. Jan. 31 at t noon, at One Police Plaza.
Details will be posted on Assemble For Rights Web site (www.a4rnyc.org)"