Cyclists frustrated over NYPD crackdown on bike traffic laws in New York City
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Cyclists are frustrated over the NYPD's new policy to crack down on bike traffic laws in New York City.
In the first quarter of this year, police issued 561 tickets to cyclists for violations like running red lights, driving the wrong way or not wearing helmets.
But in the second quarter, they wrote nearly 6,000 tickets - and these weren't just traffic tickets, they are criminal summonses that require in-person court appearances.
It can often feel like a game of Frogger getting around New York City. There are countless near-misses and direct hits.
"I was crossing Hudson and a bike was going the wrong way in the bike lane and so I was looking this way for traffic, the bike came in the other direction," victim Gren Mann said.
It's a violation that would now result in criminal summonses in addition to violations like riding in the bus lane or on the sidewalk.
It's all part of a citywide crackdown on cyclists and a broader quality of life campaign that rolled out in April.
"New Yorkers are telling us that even as crime falls, that they still don't feel safe," said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The NYPD said part of the plan would focus on out-of-control scooters and e-bikes. But in the past few months, nearly 6,000 tickets have been handed to cyclists.
"This is a war on people just for riding a bike," said Charlie Baker with Transportation Alternatives.
Baker says many in the biking community are frustrated. They feel the real culprit are cars and trucks and that there is a clear discrepancy in the way laws are being enforced.
"If you are a person like you or I, riding at most a 50-pound bike, we could be sent to criminal court for the same minor traffic visitation that a driver of a 6,000 pound car would only receive a traffic ticket," Baker said.
Critics say what's needed are more protected bike lanes and more regulation when it comes to app-based delivery services that rely on scooters and e-bikes.
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