Crack-down on Traffic Dangers

Here’s to posters and banners in every government office reminding legislators that their first Constitutional duty is to protect public safety, especially now, when they’re planning to cut budgets for police, fire fighting and the safest travel mode, public transit.

Government evidently needs to learn that moving traffic violations are life and death matters. And bicycling violations are not mere quality of life offenses, especially when they are everywhere—even on low-traffic East End Avenue. Walking just one block home from the East 79th Street Neighborhood Association meeting, Ruth S. was almost struck by a delivery food bike speeding along the sidewalk. I yelled, “Off the walk!” The problem is, nobody else ever does, even though lawless biking is often deplored at civic meetings. Read more

Delivery Dangers

New York City business owners who use bicycle delivery, beware: you may soon have to pay up when your delivery workers break the law.

Until now, commercial cyclists have been fined $100 to $250 for infractions like speeding, running red lights or riding on sidewalks. A new law would shift the fine from delivery personnel to employers.

“By putting the onus for penalties on the businesses that employ delivery riders, we give the businesses extra incentive to ensure that their employees are being responsible on the road,” said Council Member Jessica Lappin, the bill’s sponsor. Read more