Assemble for Rights People's Forum: Thursday at 7PM

With the public hearing coming up on those NYPD rules that would define two or more pedestrians or bicyclists as a parade subject to ticketing or arrest under certain circumstances, a "People's Forum" will be taking place tomorrow night (8/17) at St. Mark's Church on 10th St. at 2nd Avenue at 7PM. The public forum is co-sponsored by the NYC Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, Transportation Alternatives, Times-Up!, the NYC Bicycle Coalition, FreeWheels and other groups.

To recap: The NYPD is planning new rules about who and when people can use sidewalks and streets. (For a full rundown see AssembleForRightsNYC, a site to which we link.) Under the new rules, any group of two or more cyclists or pedestrians traveling down a public street, who violate any traffic law, rule or regulation can be arrested for parading without a permit. In addition, any group of 20 or more cyclists must obtain a permit and approved route from the NYPD or would be subject to arrest, and any group of35 of more pedestrians must obtain a permit and approved route from the NYPD or face arrest.

There is a public hearing on August 23 at 1 Police Plaza at 6PM. AssembleForRightsNYC also urges letters, calls and emails to City Council Members and the Mayor and has contact information.