Bicycle Safety Legislation
I have recently updated my bill cracking down on delivery bicycles by holding the businesses that employ them responsible for safety violations such as riding on the sidewalk. The bill (S419D), which Assemblymember Kavanaugh carries in the Assembly, allows police to fine businesses when their delivery people break the law. The intent of this bill is to address the growing problem that sidewalks in New York City's most crowded neighborhoods have been taken over by speeding delivery bicyclists. By riding on sidewalks instead of the streets, these delivery bicycles pose a serious risk for community residents on foot - particularly seniors and young children. Currently the police can only ticket the bike rider, but under the new law the businesses that employ these reckless riders will face the fine. When a business has a vested monetary interest in its employees following the "rules of the road," they will be motivated to educate their delivery people to follow the law. This will act as a very strong deterrent for the kinds of reckless activities which injure and sometimes kill pedestrians.
This has been a growing problem in many of our neighborhoods. It's evident by the large volume of calls my office receives on the matter, not to mention concerns expressed at local Community Boards and police precinct meetings. I am a strong supporter of expanded safe biking access, but everybody needs to follow the rules. This legislation will bring us far closer to a responsible public policy for the coexistence of bike delivery persons and pedestrians.
The issue of sharing our streets among pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists is one of compromise. We must all work together to ensure general public safety. This legislation will go far in ensuring the proper regulations are in place, so our community's public safety can be ensured. I am pleased to see the Senate's approval of this legislation, working toward a responsible policy for keeping our pedestrians safe by removing the threat of bicycles on our sidewalks.