Do You Make These Common Bicycle Riding Mistakes?

Last Updated on November 27, 2016 by Lawrence Berezin

I am a true blue, dyed in the polyester, passionate, advocate for the NYC driving community

Motor vehicles have a growing number of stakeholders competing for space on the highways, byways, and sidewalks of NYC. There are pedestrians, joggers, scooters, Rollerblades, motorcycles, free space advocates, and bicycle riders vying for the attention of advocacy groups, politicians, and lobbyists to advance their cause, and pummel the opposition into submission.

Are bicycle riders required to obey traffic laws, NYC parking rules and regulations? Can a bike rider get a NYC parking ticket?

I have done a bit of research on the subject, and unearthed a veritable plethora of NY State and NYC laws governing the operation of a bicycle (A libertarian’s nightmare).

Larry’s top 17 bicycle nuggets

1. All traffic and parking rules are applicable to bicycles and their rider
2. No driving bikes on sidewalks unless sign allows or wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter and rider is twelve years or younger.
3. Driver of a bicycle must have hand on steering device or handlebars.
4. Rider involved in accident resulting in death or injury to person or damage to property must stop and give name, address, insurance information, etc., and must report to Police Department.
5. Bicycles are prohibited on expressways, drives, highways, interstate routes, bridges and thruways, unless authorized by signs.
6. A business must be identified on a bike by name and identification number
7. An operator must wear upper body apparel with business’ name and operator’s number on the back.
8. Business must provide operator with a helmet according to A.N.S.I. or Snell standards.
9. Operator shall wear a helmet provided by business.
10. Operator must carry and produce on demand a numbered ID card with operator’s photo, name, home address and business’ name, address and phone number.
11. Business must maintain logbook that includes the name, identification number and place of residence of each bicycle operator; and the date of employment and discharge. The logbook must also include information on daily trips, identifying the bicycle operator’s identification number and name; and name and place of origin and destination.
12. The owner of business must file an annual report with the Police Department identifying the number of bicycles it owns and the identification number and identity of any employees.
13. § 19-176 – Bicycles operation on sidewalks prohibited Bicycles ridden on sidewalks may be confiscated and riders may be subject to legal sanctions.
14. Bicycles must have a white headlight, a red taillight, and reflectors between dusk and dawn.
15. Bicycles must have a bell or other audible signal
16. Every new bicycle shall be equipped with reflective tires (i.e. you should not get a ticket for this)
17. Cyclists may not wear more than one earphone attached to a radio, tape player or other audio device while riding.

How many parking tickets would you issue to this bicyclist?

Commentary

All of these alternate modes of transportation are here to stay, and their numbers are growing. Here are some wonderful resources to check out other points of view in the race for roadway and curbside space in NYC:

“Freewheels Bicycle Defense Fund”

“Streetsblog”

“Transportation Alternatives”

“Parking Today”

Professor Donal Shoup

What is your opinon and take on the race for space in NYC? Please share your opinion. It’s important to all of us.