MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS BILL INCREASING FINES FOR RIDING BICYCLES ON SIDEWALK

Testimony by Mayor Bloomberg During Public Hearing on Local Law


"The bill before me today is Introductory Number 116-A, sponsored by Speaker Miller, Council Members Liu, Brewer, Clarke, Diaz, Dilan, Felder, Gerson, Katz, Moskowitz, Nelson, Rivera, Seabrook and Vallone. This bill amends the Administrative Code with respect to the operation of bicycles on City sidewalks, in order to enhance pedestrian safety and promote safer and more responsible bicycle riding.

"Under the current law, riding a bicycle upon any City sidewalk is prohibited unless permitted by an official sign. This bill authorizes the issuance of a notice of violation and the imposition of a civil penalty of up to $100 for any person who violates the current law. In addition, the bill allows more severe penalties to be imposed where the rider endangers any other person or property when riding on the sidewalk illegally. In such cases, a rider will be liable for a civil penalty of between $100 and $300. If there is a finding that there was physical contact between the rider and a pedestrian, then the rider may also be assessed an additional civil penalty of between $100 and $200. Finally, the bill allows for the doubling of civil penalties that would ordinarily be imposed, if a rider commits two violations within a six-month period.

"This bill, which will take effect immediately, will strengthen our existing law and will provide law enforcement officials with additional means to address a dangerous condition on our sidewalks. We hope that this bill will also encourage bicycle riders to obey the law and conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner when riding on the sidewalk."

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