|
Federal ruling re CM-type events
|
dltakemo-@ucdavis.edu
|
Apr 19, 2007 09:03 PDT
|
http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=3&aid=68873
Federal Court Upholds Law Requiring Bicycle Groups Have A Permit
April 18, 2007
Wednesday, a federal court upheld a city law requiring bicycle groups of
more then 50 people to have a permit before riding in the street.
The court says large groups will still have to have to get parade
permits for a preset route before a large ride to allow police to manage
traffic problems.
The ruling comes after members of the Critical Mass bike group filed a
federal lawsuit alleging their constitutional rights had been violated
by the law, which went into effect in February.
Critical Mass is a bike advocacy movement whose members participate in
periodic group rides around the city. Members say they are not a formal
organization, and that their gatherings are spontaneous events that do
not require the permision of city authorities.
Last month 47 members of the group were given tickets for not having the
permit when they went on their first mass bike ride since the
legislation passed.
AND
Three Cyclist Arrested, 47 Ticketed Under New Riding Rules
March 30, 2007
Three cyclists were arrested and another 44 issued tickets Friday night
in the first Critical Mass protest since the police department's new
parade permit rules went into effect last month.
Under the new rules, groups of 50 or more cyclists need police
permission to ride together on public streets. The group did not have a
permit for Friday's protest, prompting police to make arrests.
Critical Mass is a bike advocacy movement whose members participate in
periodic group rides around the city. Members say they are not a formal
organization, and that their gatherings are spontaneous events that do
not require the permision (sic) of city authorities.
Police say one person was arrested Friday for disorderly conduct, one
for obstruction of government property, and charges for a third suspect
were to be determined.
City Councilmember Rosie Mendez was among those risking arrest by
riding.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said earlier that the law would be
enforced.
"We want the people who participate in these demonstrations to adhere to
the law. Now a new regulation as far as parade permits are concerned, if
they have a permit, there will be no problem, said Kelly. If they
don't have a permit and they violate the law, there could very well be
arrests or summonses."
Earlier in the day the group met in Union Square Park to speak out
against the new regulations. Activists say the new rules were
specifically designed to target the group.
"What this is all about is the police department trying to get Critical
Mass, said Normal Siegel, a civil rights attorney. They've been trying
to get Critical Mass ever since the Republican National Convention and
they have failed in the courts, so now they've promulgated and redefined
what a parade is to suit their purpose and their purpose is to get
Critical Mass."
Police claim the riders illegally congest traffic and create a public
disturbance.
|
|
 |
|
