NEW YORK, NY July 19, 2006 —The NYPD wants tighter restrictions on protests in the city.

Police are proposing any march on a sidewalk by 35 or more people require a permit. In addition, street demonstrations involving 20 or more bicycles or other vehicles would require a permit. In a written proposal, the NYPD says the new rules are needed to better police groups that obstruct streets and sidewalks. Current city regulations mandate permits for large processions that could block traffic or create safety issues.

But civil rights advocates say the new rules would hurt peoples ability to stage spontaneous demonstrations. They call the proposal a retaliatory response by the police to clashes with protesters at the 2004 Republican National Convention and the monthly Critical Mass bicycle rides.

Police spokesman Paul Browne downplayed the proposal, saying it was prompted by recent court decisions which found parade regulations were too vague. He says the proposal aims to clarify them. The NYPD has scheduled a public hearing on the issue for August 23rd.