Cops Ticketing New York Cyclists for Lack of Safety Equipment
$60 fines for missing bells, reflectors and lights
Cyclists in New York City are being ticketed all over Manhattan for violation of
city transportation codes concerning bicycle safety equipment. The crackdown began
in October 2005 and is expected to intensify as the busy Thanksgiving through Christmas
holiday season gets under way.
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BREAKING NEWS: Crackdown Confirmed
Nov. 11: According to NYPD Spokesman Mike Coan, and refuting earlier denials of
a crackdown on cyclists, pedestrian complaints have resulted in the aggressive ticketing
campaign. "We have gotten complaints from pedestrians, motorists and business people
of the hazard, and we are taking action to alleviate it."
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According to advocacy group Transportation Alternatives (
www.transalt.org), bike riders are required to follow all
of the same traffic laws as drivers. Additionally, the law requires cyclists to
ride in bike lanes unless preparing for a turn, passing or to avoid dangerous conditions
like double-parked cars, potholes, debris or substandard bike lanes. Bikers must
also have a bell and front and rear lights from dusk until dawn and yield to pedestrians,
and adults are prohibited from riding on the sidewalk.
If you get a ticket, you can get it voided by appearing in traffic
court and providing a receipt that shows you purchased the missing equipment.
Get Your Bike Legal!