Crime & Safety

Cops Step Up Enforcement of Cycling Laws

Expect summonses if you don't follow the rules

Last night at the  Community Council meeting, Captain Jack Lewis promised to crack down on cyclists who don't ride by the rules.

"We're going to start targeting those offenses," he said, adding that cyclists who ride on sidewalks or don't obey traffic rules will get summonses. 

"We've been getting a lot of complaints about bikes in sidewalks, and bikes not obeying the rules of the road," he said. "Bikes have to do what motorists do."

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Lewis said the stepped-up enforcement is happening as the city pushes to get people out of cars and onto bikes. Indeed, the large increase in bike lanes will surely be a hallmark in Mike Bloomberg's mayoral legacy.

Today, the Brooklyn Paper reported the increased enforcement is planned borough-wide.

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Riders in Carroll Gardens feel enforcement makes sense -- but with some caveats.

"I understand but there needs to be a push for bike awareness," said Monica McMahon, a Carroll Gardens resident for three years who was riding back from Ikea. "Cars need to be more considerate."

In New York City, drivers and cyclists have to abide by the same rules of the road.

Another biker, Jean Rohe, who lives in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens but bikes all over the city, said enforcement should be equally distributed. She noted how many cars double park in bike lanes, making safety for bikers an issue.

"People don't want to bike commute," she said.

This perspective is one echoed by the bicycling advocacy organization, Transportation Alternatives.

We "feel strongly that the NYPD needs to prioritize enforcing the dangerous behaviors of all streets users," said spokesperson Caroline Samponaro. "Whether they be cyclists or drivers."

Former Brooklynite Liz Ensz had a more pro-bike renegade perspective.

"It's sort of a protest," she said, about choosing to ride a bike. "I don't run reds when I think it's dangerous."


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