Crackdown on Cycling Unfair to Cyclists
The NYPD has staged an all-out war on cycling, as if people on two wheels are the only ones who break the law.
I commute to work on my bike nearly every day, barring extreme weather.
Every week day, it's the same thing: Ride from my Classon Avenue apartment into Manhattan, where I work near Murray Hill. The ride is about seven miles each way, and I love it.
As odd as it sounds, I feel like it gives me some time to be alone in a city where I rarely get that opportunity. I've been riding my bike regularly for about eight months now, so I feel like I've seen it all.
But now that the NYPD has decided to crackdown on cyclists - the New York Post says they’ve issued a staggering 1,000 tickets in the last two weeks - I'm realizing that maybe I haven't.
I'm not taking issue with the crackdown, I'm taking issue with the message it sends: That cyclists are the only ones to blame in the city's increasingly hot-button conversation on bikes, bike lanes and cyclists. The reality is that there is enough blame to go around: Cyclists, pedestrians and drivers all share a part, and it's not fair to target a single group.
For sure, there are some cyclists who blaze through lights, cut off pedestrians and cause general chaos. The sad thing is that those few have given the rest of us a bad name. As for me, yes, there are plenty of times when I've slowed at a red light, then went through when I saw that the coast was clear.
If the NYPD wants to ticket, I have plenty of suggested targets. How about the drivers who do double the speed limit, park in bike lanes, cut off cyclists, don't signal when they turn and beep at cyclists when we're allowed to be on the road? Or maybe pedestrians who step into bike lanes without looking or simply stand in the middle of bike lanes, causing cyclists to have to dangerously swerve into the road to avoid a collision?
I can't tell you how many times drivers and pedestrians break the law, but the NYPD's crackdown isn't about them - it's only about cyclists. Because it's such a hot topic right now, busting cyclists is getting them some positive press, and that's all that matters.
But here's the thing: We're not going away. Pedestrians can yell, drivers can try to run us off the road, and the NYPD can unfairly focus their attention on us. It doesn't matter.
There are more and more of us every year. According to the Department of Transportation, regular cyclists increased by 13 percent from 2009 to 2010, and more than doubled from 2006 to 2010. And the trend is sure to continue.
So instead of attacking just us, maybe it's time the NYPD step back and look at the bigger picture. There are a lot of sides to this issue, not just the ones on two wheels.
jen
6:38 pm on Saturday, January 29, 2011
The crackdown is on the cyclists now because they were the only ones not getting tickets and they knew it. Cyclists should have insurance and register their bikes if they are going to ride in the street just like drivers do. I have seen 2 accidents in the last 2 weeks because of a cyclist running a stop sign and red light, and although i feel bad for them, you should not be that stupid and be on the road. Most cyclist dont feel that the driving laws apply to them but now they will and if they dont break the law than they have nothing to worry about and now more people will be safe pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike.
Chris O'Shea
9:30 am on Sunday, January 30, 2011
I'm not opposed to registering my bike, but the problem there is that the cyclists who are maliciously breaking the law won't bother to get registered, so in essence you'd be preaching to the choir.
And until the crackdown extends to everyone breaking the law in this situation, it's not going to change anything.
WHACKY JACKY
6:56 pm on Saturday, January 29, 2011
Bikes are not just for the kids now. Own up and get your insurance and register. What about the electric bikes. Who is accountable in case of an accident. You got bike lanes and directional traffic laws now pay your dues.
NO FREE RIDES. THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GOT THE GREASE ALRIGHT!
Chris O'Shea
9:32 am on Sunday, January 30, 2011
Again, I'm not opposed to registering my bike, and most cyclists are already covered by other types of insurance.
SuF
10:30 am on Sunday, January 30, 2011
I've been riding a bike in NY for 30 years as an adult (i.e. they were never just for kids!) They're the best way of getting around, they're clean energy, and it's good exercise. I'm also not opposed to registering them.
But I also smoke, and I know how years ago the city started taxing and taxing and taxing cigarettes to get more revenue (how about taxing rich people??), and this new bike crackdown seems mostly like a way to fill the city coffers.
I've gotten two tickets within two months. One was for running a red light. About a week later, I saw two cops on bikes cruise through a red light. And I mean cruise; they weren't in a rush to apprehend someone.
A minute or two after getting the other ticket, I watched the cops drive away and cruise (ditto) through a red light.
Maybe the law ought to start obeying the law before they bust citizens?
So yes, we all have to be careful about traffic, pedestrians, etc., but I think they're really overdoing it as a way to make money, not to protect people.
Chris O'Shea
12:02 pm on Sunday, January 30, 2011
"Maybe the law ought to start obeying the law before they bust citizens? "
What an outrageous concept.
David
12:17 pm on Sunday, January 30, 2011
I am a driver who also loves to ride my bike. Like everyone else I have seen people do some stupid things while on the road so, I am all for giving a ticket to any one who has broken any traffic laws, be it Drivers, Cyclists, and even Pedestrians. Every one has a right to be stupid however some people abuse this Privilege and think they can do what they want, at any time. The problem I have is, again we as so call free people, are giving the police another reason to arrest, lock us up or , God Forbid the worst case, chase us and shoot us down because our bike is not registered or because a bicyclists is going the wrong way on the street. Belive me when I tell you I have seen with my own eyes In Greenpoint, Brooklyn a police car whip a U-turn ,in front of on coming traiffic, and chase down a cyclists who was going up the wrong way of the street. People you better wake up and see what you are asking for before it's to late.
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6:45 am on Tuesday, March 15, 2011
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