OnNyTurf posted a good article on this story, here.

Take Action at Assemble For Rights NYC

I found it quite coincidental that after almost a year of fighting the public the NYPD quietly published the new parade Rules. It has been one year (almost exactly) since the NYPD lost a pivotal case that would have justified their mass arrests during the 2004 RNC (Republican National Convention).

The NYPD labeled the Critical Mass ride a "Parade" which would thus require a special permit from the city. Without a permit, according to NYC rules, participants could be subjected to arrest and they were arrested. Unfortunately the NYPD underestimated the legal savvy of those they arrested and the arrestees filed suit against the NYPD. They won and the NYPD was found to be in violation.

The Judge stated that the parade rules were too vague and did not provide enough legal justification for the arrests or suppression of Critical Mass (not to mention other legal public assemblies they were harrassing).

Since this time the NYPD has been trying to put in crazy public gathering rules that will dramatically limit the ability of public assembly and give the NYPD massive power over what they will or will not allow.

First they tried with 2 cyclists is a parade.. This failed
Next they tried with 10 cyclists is a parade... This also failed
Now they state that 50 cyclists and/or pedestrians is a parade and must obtain a permit!

If there is no action this will become a rule in 30 days!!!!

We must all Take Action NOW!!!

Take Action at Assemble For Rights NYC

If these rules become permanent the February Critical Mass ride may be theLAST LEGAL RIDE in New York City!

The NYPD WILL apply these rules to the Critical Mass Ride as soon as they can.