Is New York City Targeting Cyclists Instead of Preventing Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents happen at an alarming rate in New York City. Worst of all, many of these accidents occur because of the reckless or negligent actions of drivers who don’t share the road with cyclists in Manhattan, the Bronx, and other parts of New York.
That’s why the city’s decision to crack down on cyclists who break city traffic laws seems so strange. What is the city’s police department doing to enforce city bike traffic laws? How many tickets have been issued this year? And how bad are bicycle accidents in New York City? A bicycle accident attorney at Giampa Law breaks down the latest news.
NYPD cracks down on bicyclists
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has dramatically increased the number of tickets issued by police to cyclists for bike traffic law violations as part of a “broader quality of life campaign,” according to ABC 7 News.
"New Yorkers are telling us that even as crime falls, that they still don't feel safe," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
During the first quarter of this year, NYPD officers issued 561 tickets to cyclists for violations such as running a red light, riding a bicycle the wrong way on a street, or not riding with a helmet.
During the most recent second quarter of the year, NYPD officers issued more than 6,000 tickets to cyclists in NYC. And many of the tickets issued during the second quarter were criminal summons that require cyclists to appear in person in court, according to ABC 7 News.
Are officials are focusing on the wrong problem?
The NYPD recently cracked down on cyclists due to complaints from residents about “out-of-control scooters and e-bikes,” ABC 7 News reported. However, many cyclists believe the city is focusing on the wrong problem, which should be protecting vulnerable cyclists.
"This is a war on people just for riding a bike," Charlie Baker with Transportation Alternatives said in an interview. "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 violation that a driver of a 6,000-pound car would only receive a traffic ticket.”
Bicycle accidents are on the rise in NYC
Recent NYC bicycle accident statistics support Baker’s claim that the real victims in many cases are vulnerable cyclists. In recent years, the number of serious or fatal bicycle accidents has increased dramatically in New York City. In particular, 2022 and 2023 had two of the highest numbers of bicycle fatalities in the city in decades.
In 2023, 30 cyclists were killed in accidents in New York City, which is the most cycling fatalities in the city in 24 years, according to accident data collected by the City of New York, as reported by The New York Times.
Nearly half of those cycling fatalities in 2023 in New York City involved collisions with SUVs, pickup trucks, and other large trucks, according to The New York Times. And in many of those cases, the fatalities occurred at intersections while a truck was making a turn, usually a right-hand turn.
What should I do if I’m blamed for causing a bicycle accident?
If you’re a cyclist in New York City and a driver tries to blame you for a crash they caused, don’t panic. Take action. The first step is to make sure you’re safe and get medical care if you’re hurt. After that, document everything you can. Take photos, get witness names, and write down as many details as possible while it’s all still fresh in your mind.
In many cases, drivers or even responding police officers might assume the cyclist did something wrong. But video footage, witness accounts, and traffic patterns often tell a different story. Don’t admit fault or agree to any settlement without talking to a lawyer first. Insurance companies may try to take advantage of the confusion right after a crash.
An experienced New York City bicycle accident attorney can sort through the confusion and find the facts that prove you did nothing wrong. At Giampa Law, we know how to challenge false accusations and protect your rights. Our team can gather the right evidence, speak to witnesses, and stand up to the insurance companies. If you were wrongly blamed, we’ll fight to make sure the truth comes out and demand the compensation you deserve.
Injured? Learn how a bicycle accident lawyer can help
Bicycle accidents in New York City often turn into complex legal cases, especially when cyclists are wrongly blamed for causing a collision. When this happens, it’s critical that injured cyclists take immediate steps to protect their health and rights.
That’s why our experienced New York City bicycle accident lawyers at Giampa Law want to meet with you right away. We understand how the legal system works in New York. We know what evidence to look for, what questions to ask, and how to build a strong, successful legal case.
Our case results speak for themselves, including a $6.8 million verdict for an injured scooter rider in NYC. Get the law firm that gets results in New York City. Get Giampa Law. We won’t waste a New York minute getting right to work on your important legal case.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a New York City bicycle accident attorney who will put your best interests first. We can explain your options and help you determine the best approach for your significant legal matter.
“Giampa Law did an amazing job on my case. They were always available to speak with me at any time, unlike other law firms that give you the runaround. I highly recommend this law firm.” – Elias, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐