Chris Ryan of Team Spider created yet another good video of May's critical mass.

High Quality, Large file! Download Lower resolution files on Times-up.org A documentary about the March 2007 NYC Critical Mass. Shot with more than 30 cameras the film follows the first critical mass bike flash mob held under the new NYC parade permit rules that prohibits citizens from assembling in groups of more than 50 people without getting previous authorizion from the police department.

The play button above isn't working, click play below Cops are unprepared as Critical Mass riders spontaneously take to Subways... Thanks Team Spider

An excellent piece about Critical Mass created by Elizabeth of pressdecode.blogspot.com and linked from BreathingPlanet. City Council member Rosie Mendez is on the side of bicyclists in New York and rode in the March ride. Elizabeth does an excellent job in summing up the March ride and preparing everyone for what is to come. Thank you Elizabeth!

Brian Lehrer's web video picks include two pieces on the NYPD with the number 1 (yes numero uno!) pick being Critical Mass. He doesn't provide an opinion just highlights the video but the video is a positive piece on critical mass and highlights the craziness of the NYPD.

About one week before the February Critical Mass ride the NYPD was found to be in violation of court order to stop aggresive video taping of innocent civilians.

To catch you up after the 2004 Republican National Convention (RNC) the NYPD has used incredibly aggressive spy-like tactics to videotape innocent civilians, protesters and demonstrators. Tactics included using a blimp and high powered lenses to peer down into the city, hidden cameras in shirts and baseball caps and using plainclothes officers to pose as video capturing tourists. In the past TARU has been know for "sweeping" crowds of people to capture as many faces as possible as well as directly pointing videocameras in people's faces to intimidate them.

Well no more.. at least for now. Its seems as though the NYPD's has turned over a new leaf. At the February CM TARU was out in force with bright shiny new jackets and upon being challenged they were cordial, displayed their video camera and acknowledged the Handschu agreement.

I have to say that I'm impressed and also embarrassed by my own actions that night. I challenged and they responded politely. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised.

I tip my e-hat to you NYPD... please keep it up!

Now everyone else go read more at I-Witness Video

This past Friday was potentially one of the most historic rides in New York City's Critical Mass history. The ride took place two days before new parade rules go into effect in NYC. The new rules stipulate that 50 pedestrians, bicyclists, or motor vehicles proceeding for more than two blocks as an organized group are considered a "parade" and as such must obtain a permit. Without a permit the group is subject to arrest at the discretion of the NYPD. This rule is directly targeted at Critical mass which the NYPD has been attempting to squelch since the 2004 Republican National Convention. If this rule remains unchallenged March's ride will the first Critical Mass ride in 15 years that could be technically illegal. All other Critical Mass rides have been legal. A stance upheld by the courts. This video is a raw, quickly edited looked at the ride as narrated by myself. If you took video of the ride, upload it to blip.tv, youtube (or wherever) and crosspost it here!

This video comes courtesy of the work of the awesome folks at I-witness!! Check out the blog entry with more video. This is where our tax dollars go!!

I wasn't able to stay for the ride on Friday but I had to get down there to see the hardcore riders that showed up for the ride in 10 degree weather and also to get some reaction on the recent add NYPD rules. 

If you haven't heard the NYPD officially entered the new parade rules into the record. 50 cyclists, pedestrians, motor vehicles or other items in a recognizable group proceeding down any public passageways is considered a parade and must obtain a permit. 

If these rules go uncontested they will become a permanent RULE!!  

This is, of course, a direct attempt at stopping Critical Mass in New York City and has a horrible side effect of suppressing freedom of assembly and ultimately of Speech. 

Two public hearings were held and both times there was unanimous opposition to the rules but the NYPD still put them into the rule books.

Read More at
AssembleForRightsNYC
OnNyTurf Article

The clock is now ticking if these rules go unopposed in the city council or in the court rooms they will become an official rule in 30 days and the NYPD will use them to stop otherwise lawful gatherings.

I'm not sure what happened to "Freedom of Assembly" but it is about to die in New York City. We all must take action NOW! Even if you do not live in this city you need to take action! 

Take Notice then Take Action.

24 Cyclists were killed in 2005 and 14 cyclists were killed in 2006 on the streets on New York City. Although 10 less people died in 2006 it shouldn't be viewed as a mark of improvement. 2 cyclists were run down on a car free bike path in 2006 demonstrating that cyclists are not safe anywhere in new York City.

Ride with us as we honor the fallen cyclists. Visit Times-up.org for more details!