MAYOR DE BLASIO, NYPD ANNOUNCE STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT NYC CITYWIDE BICYCLE SAFE PASSAGE PLAN

In our efforts to continue providing a safe passage for cyclists and reduce bicycle-related injuries and fatalities, NYPD is coordinating a citywide traffic initiative focused on preventing hazardous parking and moving infractions that interfere with the safe passage of cyclists. The initiative will commence on Monday, July 1, 2019 through Sunday, July 21, 2019.

This initiative will be conducted on all tours with participation from all enforcement personnel with particular attention to the following infractions committed by vehicle operators:

• All Vision Zero & hazardous parking and moving violations, especially:
  • Speeding, Red Light, Fail to Yield to Pedestrian/Bicyclists and Cellphone/Texting (distracted driving)
  • Vehicles that are parked in, or otherwise obstructing a bicycle lane (No Standing)
  • Double Parking
• Traffic Enforcement Agents will enforce the above hazardous parking violations throughout the city commencing on July 1, 2019 through July 21, 2019
• All Traffic Safety Personnel in all 77 precincts will participate and enforce the above Vision Zero and hazardous parking and moving violations commencing on July 8, 2019 through July 21, 2019.
• Patrol Supervisors will respond to a scene of a bicyclist/pedestrian struck in order to conduct a thorough investigation on whether Administrative Code 19-190, “Right of Way” law has been violated.
• Auxiliary Officers will conduct high visibility education outreach educating drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians on safer bicycle, vehicle and pedestrian tips to reduce injuries and fatalities.

"We are seeing a dangerous surge in cyclist deaths on our streets, and we are taking action." said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "I have directed the NYPD to immediately launch a major enforcement action that will encompass every precinct and crack down on dangerous driving behavior like parking in bike lanes. At the same time, I have charged the Department of Transportation with developing a new cyclist safety plan to make biking in our city safer. No loss of life on our streets is acceptable. Last year was the safest year on record—and we have to keep pushing the envelope and increasing our efforts until we achieve Vision Zero."

"The NYPD will work with all of our city partners to implement a comprehensive plan to reduce and ultimately eliminate bicycle fatalities," said NYPD Commissioner James P. O'Neill. "The NYPD vigorously supports Vision Zero, and enthusiastically promotes safety for everyone on our city's streets."