A TRAFFIC law crackdown has been branded a “war on people” after 6,000 drivers were dragged to court and more hit with fines.
The NYPD’s new policy to crack down on bike traffic laws in New York City has left many frustrated.
The crackdown is focused on e-bikes and scooters[/caption]
In the first quarter of the year only 561 tickets were issued for violations, in the second quarter nearly 6,000 tickets were issued.
Cyclists are being hit with fines and hauled into court over things like running red lights, not wearing helmets and driving the wrong way.
The new citywide crackdown is focused on out of control scooters and e-bikes.
In the past few months however cyclists have found themselves being slapped with tickets.
The crackdown is part of a wider quality of life campaign that was rolled out in April.
Charlie Baker with Transportation Alternatives told Eyewitness News: “This is a war on people just for riding a bike.”
He went on to claim that the brutal crackdown has left many feeling frustrated.
Baker claimed that the real problem is cars and trucks and said there was a clear discrepancy in the way laws are being enforced.
Baker said: “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.”
Critics said there needs to be more protected bike lanes and more regulation when it comes to app-based delivery services that rely on scooters and e-bikes.
Cyclists are reportedly being issued with court summonses that require them to appear at court.
A motorist committing the same violations would reportedly get a fine and no further action.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said: “New Yorkers are telling us that even as crime falls, that they still don’t feel safe.”
The new plan to crackdown on e-scooters and e-bikes comes amid a flurry of upset at the safety of roads in New York City.
Cyclists are being hauled into court for running red lights[/caption]
A victim of the city’s unsafe streets, Gren Mann, told Eyewitness News: “I was crossing Hudson and a bike was going the wrong way in the bike lane.
“So I was looking this way for traffic, the bike came in the other direction.”
Dangerous, fast and heavy e-bikes are taking the blame for the declining safety of the city’s streets.
The NYPD hopes to tackle the problem by holding riders to the same standards as motorists.
Safety tips for pedestrians and cyclists
Every US state has laws designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists. However, there are some tips to increase your safety as a pedestrian or cyclist to help ensure a driver sees you, or when to cross traffic safely.
As a pedestrian or cyclist, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.
Here are some tips for safe travel as a pedestrian.
- Cross the street using marked crosswalks when available, and preferably the corner.
- Utilize the buttons to alert drivers of a crossing pedestrian, and wait until the light is green – as this means the driver’s light is red.
- Pay special attention to drivers who are looking to turn, as they may not see you while making the turn.
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Increase your visibility by wearing bright-colored clothing, reflective gear, or even lights during low visibility conditions like rain, fog, dusk, or nighttime.
As a cyclist, it’s important to:
- Obey all traffic laws, lights, and signals. On the road, you are considered a vehicle, and following laws increases your safety.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Use hand signals to communicate to drivers in your intended direction.
- Wear a helmet. Not only is it the law in most states, but it decreases your chance of a serious injury by 63 to 88 percent.
- Use headlights or tail lights while riding at dawn, dusk, or nighttime to increase your visibility.
Source: Arlington County Police Department, National Institute of Health
