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BUSTED! NYCyclist Ticketed...
Disgruntled Cop Shows Proof of Quota!
Nov. 15 2005--Only a day after reporting the crackdown on New York cyclists by traffic
cops, this intrepid cyclist was pulled over and given a ticket on Riverside Drive
and 97th St. on his way to work! The arresting officer (who asked that I not identify
him by name), informed me that I had "failed to keep right" and passed
a vehicle on its left-hand side. I explained that I had no choice as the car was
blocking my ability to pass on the right, and the officer then said:
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"I agree with you 100%. I hope that you will plead not guilty."
Huh? I couldn't believe my ears. The officer then pulled a xeroxed page from his
dashboard and showed it to me.
"Look at this" he said. He pointed at the top of the page, to the address
at the top. "We receive these teletype messages from police headquarters. I
don't agree with it but we're under pressure from our bosses to comply."
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click pic to see larger image
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The page had what looked like a list of bicycle traffic-offense codes and a bunch
of numbers next to each one. "This is what we're supposed to do." he said.
"We're being told to meet these numbers. Like I said, we're being forced to
do this."
He then went on to say that he hoped that I would plead not guilty, and that he
wouldn't remember me or the violation if he was at the hearing (meaning it would
be dismissed). Lastly he looked directly at me and "when you post this story
on the New York Bicycling Coalition website tonite, just don't use my name. Please
ride safe."
I thanked him for his candor and warily made it the rest of the way to the shop
without incident.
Nov. 16 Update: Many people have emailed me claiming they received
up to four summonses at a time from traffic cops on minor violations, lending further
evidence that there is a quota system in place forcing cops to issue as many tickets
as they can. This harrassment must stop!
Transportation Alternatives is providing support and advice to victims of this ticketing
campaign. Click here:
Transportation Alternatives for help and more information!
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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!
• Come in to New York Cyclist for a free assessment of your bike's
safety gear.
• We have a large selection of inexpensive reflectors, horns, bells
and other safety devices. New York Cyclist also stocks a comprehensive assortment
of front and rear lights, including bright LED and halogen lamps to illuminate the
road hazards we know and love so well!