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Mass confusion

Interactivist Info Exchange | NYC Sues to Stop Critical Mass Bike Rides

New York City filed a lawsuit today in an effort to stop the monthly Critical Mass ride. They are asking a judge to grant them an injunction enjoining "all other participants in Critical Mass bicycle rides form engaging in conduct that requires a permit without having first obtained such a permit."

This of course begs the question: does riding a bike require a permit? Critical Mass has been a feature in New York City for nearly a decade, but over the last three months the city's commitment to stopping the ride has deepened since they set their sights on riders at the August Critical Mass which coincided with the start of the Republican National Convention.

The cyclists have filed a suit stating their 5th amendment rights are being violated by the city seizing their bikes without having charged them with anything. Apparently the RNC Mass raised CM's profile enough that the city is going to attempt to eliminate it entirely.

I really can't see their case here. Bikes have the same vehicular right to use of city streets as cars. The city is likely going to try to play up the public safety angle via the "blocked ambulance" scare, rare as that might be. And of course cars never get in the way of public rescue vehicles, right?

The hearing on the City's request for an injunction will be held on Wednesday Octoer 27 at 3PM in Judge Pauley's Courtroom, 11D 500 Pearl Street (Near City Hall, opposite Foley Square, south of 100 Center St.) The public will not be able to speak but cyclists are urging everyone to pack the courtroom.

Posted by John on October 27, 2004 11:58 AM |