At the risk of bringing up a soar subject, it looks like the New York police department is becoming even more militaristic.
Mike Neuman
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Hello New Mobility network -
Decisionmakers in NYC need to hear from more people around the world ASAP - we have just a couple of weeks to respond to new walking/cycling rules that leave us all subject to arrest - (unbelievably, all could be final before City Council and much of NYC is back from summer holidays!). This dispatch is from Transportation Alternatives, part of a bike coalition responding to yet another official discouragement against sustainable mobility in NYC.
thanks much for responding, Wendy
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On
If enacted, these draconian rules would put walking and bicycling under the NYPD's control, drastically discourage New Yorkers from walking and biking and erect yet another obstacle for those seeking to do their part to reduce congestion, clean our City's polluted air and stay healthy. The NYPD must withdraw them.
Under the NYPD's proposed rules (PDF):
o Any group of two (yes 2) 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
o Every group of 20 or more cyclists must obtain a permit and approved route from the NYPD
o Every group of 35 of more pedestrians must obtain a permit and approved route from the NYPD
Groups without permits or groups that leave their permitted routes could be arrested.
There will be a public hearing on these proposed parade permit rule changes on August 23rd, at 6 pm, at One Police Plaza, Manhattan. The proposed changes could go into effect as soon as August 24th, 2006. Everyone who walks or rides a bike should attend and oppose these proposed changes! Ask your friends in NYC to go - you can also send written testimony to the NYPD at the address below.
Here's what you can to do to stop these proposed changes:
Testify at the August 23 public hearing and attend the rally outside in opposition to the changes. To testify, send notice in advance to: Assistant Deputy Commissioner Thomas P. Doepfner New York City Police Department 1 Police Plaza, Room 1406 New York, NY 10038
State that you intend to testify in opposition to the NYPD's proposed changes to Chapter 19 of Title 38 of the Official Compilation of Rules of the City of New York at the public hearing on August 23, 2006 at 6pm at 1 Police Plaza.
E-fax Mayor Bloomberg and tell him you oppose the NYPD's proposed parade permit rules: http://www.transalt
Contact NYC City Council Speaker Quinn and tell her you oppose the proposed rules: http://www.nyccounc
Contact Transportation Alternatives. with examples of groups, events and activities that will be affected by the proposed changes: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
---- Find more details at transalt.org - you can fax the Mayor from that site (and TA will count it at the same time)-
This is sample text to Mayor Bloomberg:
I oppose the NYPD's proposed changes to the City's parade permit rules. These changes, requiring all group rides and walks to obtain onerous permits, will greatly discourage bike riding and walking. Less biking and walking will result in more traffic, more air and noise pollution, more subway crowding and a lower quality of life. As NYC has signed onto several climate protection pacts, it is doubly important that non-pollution mobility be encouraged!
The proposed changes will also discourage physical activity, exercise, educational field trips and tourism because they will force bike and health clubs, teachers, tour guides, historical, cultural and neighborhood organizations to obtain permits for every event.
Many will forego formal and informal walking and biking altogether for under the NYPD's proposed changes, groups that do not obtain permits, groups two or more that jaywalk, or groups that vary from their approved route are all subject to arrest.
The NYPD's proposed changes to the City's parade permit rules will mean less walking, running and biking in New York City. They will hurt health, environment, economy and quality of life. I oppose them.
Sincerely,
name, address, city, state, zip, email (required)
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg City Hall New York, NY 10007 PHONE 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK outside NYC)
FAX (212) 788-2460
E-MAIL: http://www.nyc.
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