NYC Critical Mass

A New York judge has ruled that it’s lawful for NY Police to arrest Critical Mass participants who don’t apply for a parade permit. Cyclists will be allowed to ride in groups smaller than 50 riders without a permit, but if they want to ride through town in a group larger than that, they’ll need to wade through the bureaucracy of city hall. It’s a huge loss for cyclists. No more massive group rides in the city and one more hurdle for alley cat races.

The BikeSnobNYC argues that Critical Mass is moving New York backwards in terms of cyclists’ rights. He argues that we started with no regulations, and that thanks to Critical Mass, we’re losing those rights. The New York order essentially takes away your right to freely assemble (on a bike and then ride around).

Either way you look at it, one thing we have to look forward to are groups of 49 riders staged a few minutes apart rolling around town.

I’m on the fence with these informal Tweed Rides every city is having. I like that the organizers are trying to let the locals know that you can get out on a bike without wearing neon Lycra and a shirt covered in advertisements. I also like that they employ more of a law abiding attitude than the Critical Mass folks while still opening their arms to all facets of the cycling culture (as long as they’re willing to wear tweed). What I don’t like is that you’re supposed to wear tweed and use phrases like “foppish dandy” and “the local constabulary impounded my penny-farthing.” It likely gives non-cyclists the impression that bikers are more into World-of-Warcraft and playing dress-up than just normal people riding bikes.