Now that the NYPD has put the new Rules into the book the clock has started ticking. In 30 days from 26th the new rules will go into effect.

50 Cyclists, Pedestrians, Vehicles in a distinguishable group is considered a parade and thus requires a permit.
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On February 25th the rules will go into effect 2 days after Critical Mass! This means that February's Critical mass could potentially be the last legal ride in New York City.

Lets make the February ride as big as possible. We know these rules are a wrong, illegal, and will, eventually, be pulled off the books. Hopefully this happens before the ride. If it doesn't lets show them how strong the cycling community in New York City is.

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.