Welcome to NY Cyclist

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:
"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."	click pic to see larger image
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! ...more on this story Read the article that appeared in the NY Post over the weekend: What the Post wrote Transportation Alternatives is providing support and advice to victims of this ticketing campaign. Click here: Transportation Alternatives for help and more information!

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!

Get Ready For Summer!

• Have our expert mechanics tune up your bike for the spring and summer. We will clean your gears and chain, replace worn or broken cables and housing, inspect brakes and replace worn pads, and adjust all bearings and make sure pedals and all other components are securely fastened.

• We can weatherproof you and your bike with fenders and lightweight rainproof layers, and keep you riding safely at night with reflectors, high-visibility clothing, and lights, horns and bells for any bicycle.

• Ride comfortably all day long with our large selection of perspiration-wicking, breathable cycling jerseys, as well as padded pants in many styles.

Rent a Bike and See the Town in Style!

Come in to New York Cyclist today! We're conveniently located at the corner of 110th St. and Central Park West, just across from Central Park. We're open 6 days (closed Mon.) and have rental bikes ready to roll. The beautiful, crisp fall weather is ideal for a circuit of Central Park, or a tour of magnificent Manhattan! Call us at 212-864-4449 for rental availability

Shop Update

Same Shop...New Look! We've been doing some Spring Cleaning of our own! Come in today and see our new sales and service areas, and ask us about our daily special!

"Pic of the Day"