Parade permit flap

Last Friday, the New York Police Department issued its latest proposed guidelines for parade permits, raising the number of bicyclists riding together who need a permit to 50, from its earlier proposal of 30. Council Speaker Christine Quinn is said to feel this number is a good compromise. The Times reported Quinn has “embraced” the new rules and is vowing to monitor them “to ensure we strike the proper balance between protection of civil liberties with the need for public order.” But some of her Council colleagues disagree. “I think in New York City that’s an unrealistic number — and it still infringes on our First Amendment rights,” said Councilmember Rosie Mendez. “I’m not quite sure what the [right] number is. I’d like to have more discussions with advocates and colleagues.” Mendez has been meeting on the issue with a group of likeminded councilmembers, including Alan Gerson, Gale Brewer and Letitia James, the latter who represents Fort Greene, Brooklyn.