Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2004 15:37:33 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Save NYC CM! -- INJUNCTION against riding!!!
Outrageous! I've heard of injunctions against police from harassing
Critical Mass, but this is the reverse and a serious outrage. Please send
a fax asap if you can.
[forward from another list]
This just in from Wendy Brawer at Green Map in New York City. My letter
follows Wendy's message.
Wendy Brawer [web account at site greenmap.org]
hi friends,
An injunction has just put out against New York City's Critical Mass. This
is the monthly pro-bike ride that is now attracting up to 5000 people.
They say we are blocking traffic, yet we all know bicyclers are traffic &
that they should be encouraging more cycling for a healthier
less-congested city. If you support the Critical Mass and don't want to
see mass arrests this friday (it's the extra fun Halloween ride this
friday, starting at 7pm Union Square North), there's some things you can
do, the most important is having a packed hearing room!
[deleted New York specific info]
you can also read the injunction at http://info.interactivist.net -- and
yes, this impacts many kinds of processions and gatherings...
You can also write a letter of support by tonight to Judge Pauley:
Honorable William H Pauley III
United States District Court
500 Pearl Street
New York, NY 10038
The letters should explain who you are, what you do and why you think that
Critical Mass is important, or why you choose to ride in it (you can add
how many years you have taken part, what groups you are involved with,
etc). Please drop it off at the bike convergence space, 49 E Houston
tonight, or you can fax it to my machine (by 9:30 pm EST) & I will take it
over for you -- 212 674 6206 (no cover sheet needed)
You need not be a New Yorker to respond ASAP!
spread the word, many thanks, Wendy
============================
[someone's personal message to inspire you]
Honorable William H Pauley III
United States District Court
500 Pearl Street
New York, NY 10038
October 26, 2004
Dear Honorable William H. Pauley:
I am a resident of Portland, Oregon. In the summer of 2003, I took my
first trip to New York City. This is a trip every American citizen should
have the opportunity to experience. I saw the Statue of Liberty and
Stanton Island. I walked throughout the city and ate more than my fair
share of delicious pizza (we don~Rt have that in Portland~E). I saw in
person the sites I had seen so many times only in movies.
However, the most memorable part of my entire trip was a bicycle ride
through the city, with hundreds of other bicycle riders. This is how I
first saw Times Square. We waved, passers by clapped, they cheered, and
children squealed in glee. Thank you New York! This was an amazing way
to see your city.
Critical Mass is an international phenomenon. It does not require a
committee, a budget, or any funding. In around 400 cities world wide (and
many on the last Friday of the month), people gather to ride their
bicycles in celebration of bicycles as transportation.
When I ride a Critical Mass ride, I have a strong sense that I am somehow
connected to people in Poland, South Africa, Israel, Japan, Bolivia,
Barcelona, Milan~E Bankers, lawyers, homeless, artists and bus drivers
ride together spanning ages from one year to 70 years. This is a rare
opportunity in our culture for such a broad group of people to meet each
other and share ideas and experiences. Across cultures and socio-economic
backgrounds, Critical Mass brings people together for a celebration.
It was brought to my attention that an injunction has just put out against
New York City's Critical Mass. This is a waste of city resources and
funds. I urge you to allow Critical Mass to continue, as it has been
successfully doing internationally for over 11 years.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[someone who sent this personally]