Federal Judge Blocks City's Attempt To Halt Critical Mass Ride

NY1

A delay in a judge's ruling has cleared the way for an environmental group to stage another bike ride. The ride by Critical Mass is scheduled for the Day after Thanksgiving, which is already on the city's list of so-called Gridlock Alert Days.

The city wanted the judge to prevent the outing unless organizers obtained a permit, arguing the large number of riders poses a public safety hazard.

But the judge gave the group until November 30, after the ride is scheduled, to respond, and has set a hearing date of December 6th. The same judge allowed the group to proceed with its October 29th ride, saying the city had waited too long to file its objections.

Critical Mass rides take place in hundreds of cities as a way to promote environmentally friendly transportation. The group gained notoriety when police arrested over 250 cyclists on the eve of the Republican National Convention. More than 30 people were arrested in last month's outing.

The NYPD says bikers who break the law will be arrested at the next ride, too. Meanwhile, with the holiday season comes holiday traffic. Friday is the first of nine Gridlock Alert Days in the city ahead of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The city is urging people to leave their cars at home and take mass transit whenever possible. The next gridlock alert day is next Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.

end NY1

abh adds that this is not the conclusion of the story. The city is still hoping the judge will decide whether or not Time's Up should be required to apply for a permit for Critical Mass.

The Info Exchange does have a fair amount of Background on the lawsuit, should you like to read up.