Comments on: NYPD Emerges as New Focus for NYC’s Livable Streets Movement http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/ Covering the New York City Streets Renaissance Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:19:54 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: Jonathan http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-41483 Jonathan Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:12:37 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-41483 Did anyone read the <i>Times</i>' <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/nyregion/10diary.html?em&ex=1197522000&en=5577a7c8a9d29553&ei=5087%0A" rel="nofollow">Metropolitan Diary column yesterday</a>? At the end is a story of two motorists who were pulled over for making an illegal right turn from 42d St. They were able to get off by naming characters from a movie. I wish it were so easy for everyone. Did anyone read the Times' Metropolitan Diary column yesterday? At the end is a story of two motorists who were pulled over for making an illegal right turn from 42d St. They were able to get off by naming characters from a movie. I wish it were so easy for everyone.

]]> By: Monts http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-41420 Monts Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:48:51 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-41420 I was harassed by two cops in a cruiser a few weeks ago at 110 and Columbus. I was traveling east and I moved out into the lane to avoid some potholes where left by some building construction there. The cruiser flew up behind me at very high speed and whooped its siren. They were literally a foot off my rear wheel. It scared the hell out of me. When we pulled up to the stop light -- they obviously weren't in some kind of emergency situation -- I asked them why they did that. The driver immediately got aggressive, asking me for my license. I complied but started arguing with them. I asked for badge numbers and they said that they would now give me a ticket. I said, for what? Avoiding potholes? I started taking pictures with my cellphone and writing down their names and badge numbers. Amazingly, the cop riding shotgun convinced his partner to drop it. I was shaking from the incident, being scared to death like that and having to deal with these assholes. After I rode off, of course, I thought of a good line: What part of Courtesy, Professionalism and Respect did their actions represent? "CPR", the bullshit acronym painted on every cruiser in town. Good riddance. I was harassed by two cops in a cruiser a few weeks ago at 110 and Columbus. I was traveling east and I moved out into the lane to avoid some potholes where left by some building construction there. The cruiser flew up behind me at very high speed and whooped its siren. They were literally a foot off my rear wheel. It scared the hell out of me. When we pulled up to the stop light -- they obviously weren't in some kind of emergency situation -- I asked them why they did that. The driver immediately got aggressive, asking me for my license. I complied but started arguing with them. I asked for badge numbers and they said that they would now give me a ticket. I said, for what? Avoiding potholes? I started taking pictures with my cellphone and writing down their names and badge numbers. Amazingly, the cop riding shotgun convinced his partner to drop it.
I was shaking from the incident, being scared to death like that and having to deal with these assholes.
After I rode off, of course, I thought of a good line: What part of Courtesy, Professionalism and Respect did their actions represent? "CPR", the bullshit acronym painted on every cruiser in town.
Good riddance.

]]> By: andy at bikeleague http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40960 andy at bikeleague Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:13:18 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40960 Thanks, law-abiding, for the advice on the Bicycle Friendly Community program. We're well aware of the policing issues that are so fully, appropriately and well documented on Streetsblog and elsewhere, and that was definitely a factor we weighed in reviewing the city's application for BFC status. And if it were just the NYPD we were reveiewing, I don't think we would have been dishing out any awards for friendliness. But it isn't. The application considers everything from the NYPD to the incredibly vibrant bicycling culture that thrives in NYC; it's not just about what government does or doesn't do. It's about streets, parks, rides, events, training, crashes, levels of use, parking (or lack thereof). And, the program is all about inspiring and helping cities to do better. So you can bet that the feedback we give the city includes enforcement issues, and that if we get a chance to hand over the award in person we'll bring it up as well. Andy Thanks, law-abiding, for the advice on the Bicycle Friendly Community program. We're well aware of the policing issues that are so fully, appropriately and well documented on Streetsblog and elsewhere, and that was definitely a factor we weighed in reviewing the city's application for BFC status. And if it were just the NYPD we were reveiewing, I don't think we would have been dishing out any awards for friendliness.

But it isn't. The application considers everything from the NYPD to the incredibly vibrant bicycling culture that thrives in NYC; it's not just about what government does or doesn't do. It's about streets, parks, rides, events, training, crashes, levels of use, parking (or lack thereof).

And, the program is all about inspiring and helping cities to do better. So you can bet that the feedback we give the city includes enforcement issues, and that if we get a chance to hand over the award in person we'll bring it up as well.

Andy

]]> By: Steve http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40929 Steve Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:37:43 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40929 Ben's story is interesting, particularly the part about the cop asking him if he is associated with Critical Mass. I will sometimes give pedestrians of the type he describes a tongue-lashing, but I make sure never to hit them. I think bicyclists probably have the same duty under the NYC law to use due care to avoid hitting pedestrians that motor vehicles do, even though bicycles are much less likely to injure. I think "heads-up" is a fair way to assert one's rights in that situation and avoid a collision. In particularly egregious cases I will maneuver into the path of the oblivious pedestrian without the right of way, come to a full stop, and glower at them, or ask them if they see the "don't walk" sign. Then they have to walk around me and deal with what I am saying, however fleetingly. Ben's story is interesting, particularly the part about the cop asking him if he is associated with Critical Mass. I will sometimes give pedestrians of the type he describes a tongue-lashing, but I make sure never to hit them. I think bicyclists probably have the same duty under the NYC law to use due care to avoid hitting pedestrians that motor vehicles do, even though bicycles are much less likely to injure. I think "heads-up" is a fair way to assert one's rights in that situation and avoid a collision. In particularly egregious cases I will maneuver into the path of the oblivious pedestrian without the right of way, come to a full stop, and glower at them, or ask them if they see the "don't walk" sign. Then they have to walk around me and deal with what I am saying, however fleetingly.

]]> By: ddartley http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40926 ddartley Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:17:32 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40926 Two very fun errors in my first paragraph above: I should have said, "a suggestion for all cyclists approaching such busy, jay-walked intersections" I myself have not yet encountered Busey pedestrians. Two very fun errors in my first paragraph above:

I should have said,

"a suggestion for all cyclists approaching such busy, jay-walked intersections"

I myself have not yet encountered Busey pedestrians.

]]> By: cvarrick http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40925 cvarrick Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:17:01 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40925 I'm certainly not excusing the police behavior As far as the police, (who spend all day in cars) and drivers in general are concerned, cyclists *are* "some unpopular minority group" who are always 'slowing them down and 'getting in the way' and should 'stay on the sidewalk where they belong'. I'm trying to make the more general point that, as a cyclist, it's easy to apply that same thinking to pedestrians and this seems contrary to goal of making streets safer for everyone. I'm certainly not excusing the police behavior
As far as the police, (who spend all day in cars) and drivers in general are concerned, cyclists *are* "some unpopular minority group" who are always 'slowing them down and 'getting in the way' and should 'stay on the sidewalk where they belong'.

I'm trying to make the more general point that, as a cyclist, it's easy to apply that same thinking to pedestrians and this seems contrary to goal of making streets safer for everyone.

]]> By: ddartley http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40924 ddartley Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:12:00 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40924 Not presuming to blame Ben for his collision, but a suggestion for all cyclists approaching such busey, jay-walked pedestrians: YELL, "Heads up!" I have a feeling that cyclists don't vocalize enough in such situations because they don't know the right thing to say. "Excuse me" doesn't work (or feel right), and bells aren't well heard. But buzzing without any warning, no matter how bad peds are, is asinine b.s. that hurts us all. I recommend trying "heads up," nice and loud. It's not terribly impolite, and it's quick. Of course every cyclist is entitled to get mad in such situations from time to time. In those instances, try yelling "Car!" (that's a joke (sort of), but I'm serious about trying "heads up.") Not presuming to blame Ben for his collision, but a suggestion for all cyclists approaching such busey, jay-walked pedestrians:

YELL, "Heads up!"

I have a feeling that cyclists don't vocalize enough in such situations because they don't know the right thing to say. "Excuse me" doesn't work (or feel right), and bells aren't well heard. But buzzing without any warning, no matter how bad peds are, is asinine b.s. that hurts us all.

I recommend trying "heads up," nice and loud. It's not terribly impolite, and it's quick.

Of course every cyclist is entitled to get mad in such situations from time to time. In those instances, try yelling "Car!"

(that's a joke (sort of), but I'm serious about trying "heads up.")

]]> By: Angus Grieve-Smith http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40915 Angus Grieve-Smith Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:32:37 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40915 <blockquote>Exchange "car" for "bike" in your post and we're left with exactly the kind of "driver runs over pedestrian and nothing happens" story that's reported everyday.</blockquote> You're leaving out one big difference, C. The pedestrian was <b>uninjured</b>. I'm trying to imagine a cop pulling over a motorist who'd just hit a pedestrian and treating them with that kind of contempt and intimidation. The only way I could imagine it is if the motorist is a member of some unpopular minority group.

Exchange "car" for "bike" in your post and we're left with exactly the kind of "driver runs over pedestrian and nothing happens" story that's reported everyday.

You're leaving out one big difference, C. The pedestrian was uninjured.

I'm trying to imagine a cop pulling over a motorist who'd just hit a pedestrian and treating them with that kind of contempt and intimidation. The only way I could imagine it is if the motorist is a member of some unpopular minority group.

]]> By: cvarrick http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40910 cvarrick Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:41:40 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40910 @ben Let me preface this by saying: They way you were treated by police is shameful. Any cyclist realizes how frustrating it can be when pedestrians cross against the light and generally make unpredictable movements. I've certainly done my share of cursing after a near miss. Riding in a sea of 4000lb fast-moving objects tends to get the adrenaline flowing. But: If you've been commuting for years you know people are going to be crossing 7th and 34th (or any corner) regardless of what color the light is. You were unable to slow your vehicle to avoid colliding with a pedestrian. It could be said you were not riding "safely", you were riding too fast. Exchange "car" for "bike" in your post and we're left with exactly the kind of "driver runs over pedestrian and nothing happens" story that's reported everyday. Superseding any legal regulation for operating a car/bike/helicopter/whatever should be the general humanistic "do everything possible not to injure/kill someone" rule. @ben
Let me preface this by saying:

They way you were treated by police is shameful.

Any cyclist realizes how frustrating it can be when pedestrians cross against the light and generally make unpredictable movements. I've certainly done my share of cursing after a near miss.

Riding in a sea of 4000lb fast-moving objects tends to get the adrenaline flowing.

But:

If you've been commuting for years you know people are going to be crossing 7th and 34th (or any corner) regardless of what color the light is.

You were unable to slow your vehicle to avoid colliding with a pedestrian. It could be said you were not riding "safely", you were riding too fast.

Exchange "car" for "bike" in your post and we're left with exactly the kind of "driver runs over pedestrian and nothing happens" story that's reported everyday.

Superseding any legal regulation for operating a car/bike/helicopter/whatever should be the general humanistic "do everything possible not to injure/kill someone" rule.

]]> By: Harlem http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40881 Harlem Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:02:05 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40881 While riding home late one Sunday evening I avoided garbage and hopped on the curb. Immediately, was pulled over by a female officer who said, "get off the bike and show me id". As I watched across the street and saw someone double parked in front of a hydrant and wondered why the person who had spilled all the garbage wasn't ticketed. I asked this to the officer who was too busy writing me a ticket. I did a little research and the ticket ended up being throw out of court because she gave me a court date of a Sunday and bike tickets should not be heard in Criminal Court. While riding home late one Sunday evening I avoided garbage and hopped on the curb. Immediately, was pulled over by a female officer who said, "get off the bike and show me id". As I watched across the street and saw someone double parked in front of a hydrant and wondered why the person who had spilled all the garbage wasn't ticketed. I asked this to the officer who was too busy writing me a ticket. I did a little research and the ticket ended up being throw out of court because she gave me a court date of a Sunday and bike tickets should not be heard in Criminal Court.

]]> By: Andy B from Jersey http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40874 Andy B from Jersey Wed, 28 Nov 2007 22:04:06 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40874 Bar hopping! Hmmm... Hoping for a bar?? Bar hopping! Hmmm... Hoping for a bar??

]]> By: Andy B from Jersey http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40873 Andy B from Jersey Wed, 28 Nov 2007 22:01:41 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40873 At least in Philly I know its the criminals I need to look out for and not the homicidal auto drivers nor those that have sworn an oath to serve and protect. Well they have homicidal auto drivers there too but they seem to know how to lookout for cyclists alot better than those in NYC. But this is besides the point. The real point of my message is that the NYPD has such a bad reputation concerning cyclists I personally prefer to go to Philly so I do not have to worry about getting into a scrape with a NY cop and therefore end up SPENDING MY MONEY THERE! I'm quite sure I'm not the only one. NYC is loosing out on some dollars, even if the money figures are minor, because of its Police so openly hostile to cyclists. My one very minor interaction with NYC cop while on a bike only reinforces my opinion from what I've heard from others. I was in the city back in October and very politely asked a beat cop some directions. He responded nicely enough but as I walked away with my bike on the sidewalk I could overhear him talking to his partner about the legality of me walking my bike on sidewalk. I could tell from what I heard they were possibly looking to bust me for something just because they could. No big deal but I don't know if I want to come back to NYC with my bike to go site seeing, bar hoping, etc. anytime soon. At least in Philly I know its the criminals I need to look out for and not the homicidal auto drivers nor those that have sworn an oath to serve and protect. Well they have homicidal auto drivers there too but they seem to know how to lookout for cyclists alot better than those in NYC.

But this is besides the point. The real point of my message is that the NYPD has such a bad reputation concerning cyclists I personally prefer to go to Philly so I do not have to worry about getting into a scrape with a NY cop and therefore end up SPENDING MY MONEY THERE! I'm quite sure I'm not the only one. NYC is loosing out on some dollars, even if the money figures are minor, because of its Police so openly hostile to cyclists.

My one very minor interaction with NYC cop while on a bike only reinforces my opinion from what I've heard from others. I was in the city back in October and very politely asked a beat cop some directions. He responded nicely enough but as I walked away with my bike on the sidewalk I could overhear him talking to his partner about the legality of me walking my bike on sidewalk. I could tell from what I heard they were possibly looking to bust me for something just because they could.

No big deal but I don't know if I want to come back to NYC with my bike to go site seeing, bar hoping, etc. anytime soon.

]]> By: law-abiding http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40860 law-abiding Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:20:49 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40860 Oops -- in the previous post that should read Bill Nesper, not Bill Nestor. But the email address is the same. Oops -- in the previous post that should read
Bill Nesper, not Bill Nestor. But the email address is the same.

]]> By: law-abiding http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40859 law-abiding Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:19:09 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40859 A suggestion: Everyone who reads this story should Email the link for this story and thread to the League of American Bicyclists, who recently granted NYC a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community award. NYC had to apply for the award--it's not just handed out. The LAB was made well aware of NYPD's hostility towards cyclists (and not just CM cyclists), lack of enforcement against parking in bike lanes and bike paths, the rank & file's ignorance of traffic laws pertaining to cycling, their tendency to write bogus tickets and make up new laws for them, and their refusal to do serious crash investigations where cyclists are involved. And yet the LAB overlooked all this data in giving out the award to NYC. The head of the LAB's Bicycle Friendly Community's program is Bill Nestor, bill at bikeleague dot org. The executive director is Andy Clarke, andy at bikeleague dot org . The Bicycle Friendly Community award should actually mean something, and should have some standards. The LAB missed an opportunity to use its clout to hold the city's feet to the fire over NYPD's treatment of cyclists. Let the LAB know that its silence allows this stuff to continue, and undermines its own position as a national voice for cyclists. signed, law-abiding (does law mean law, or league of american wheelmen?) A suggestion:
Everyone who reads this story should Email the link for this story and thread to the League of American Bicyclists, who recently granted NYC a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community award. NYC had to apply for the award--it's not just handed out. The LAB was made well aware of NYPD's hostility towards cyclists (and not just CM cyclists), lack of enforcement against parking in bike lanes and bike paths, the rank & file's ignorance of traffic laws pertaining to cycling, their tendency to write bogus tickets and make up new laws for them, and their refusal to do serious crash investigations where cyclists are involved. And yet the LAB overlooked all this data in giving out the award to NYC.
The head of the LAB's Bicycle Friendly Community's program is Bill Nestor, bill at bikeleague dot org. The executive director is Andy Clarke, andy at bikeleague dot org .

The Bicycle Friendly Community award should actually mean something, and should have some standards. The LAB missed an opportunity to use its clout to hold the city's feet to the fire over NYPD's treatment of cyclists. Let the LAB know that its silence allows this stuff to continue, and undermines its own position as a national voice for cyclists.

signed,
law-abiding (does law mean law, or league of american wheelmen?)

]]> By: ddartley http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40839 ddartley Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:38:53 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40839 NotAnIPhoneOwnerEither, I am sorry if my words sounded like I was promoting a stereotype against cops; despite all their bad behavior I hear about, I do always try, for many reasons, not to actually promote stereotypes, and never accuse "all" of them of anythying. Just a while back, a cop friend told me he's a former T.A. member himself. Nevertheless, the hatred towards cyclists widespread through NYPD remains a serious, serious problem as evidenced by Ben's blood-boiling story, and it MUST be addressed by the City. MANY, many of them (not "all") act like bullying criminal thugs. Someone ought to tell them that the police force is not a gang, but a body of uniformed civil servants who should be proud to set an example of following laws. Here's a suggestion: Their name tags and badge numbers should be huge, so you don't even have to have the inherently confrontational conversation of asking for them. I see no reason for NYPD to resist such a change--unless they have things to be ashamed of. NotAnIPhoneOwnerEither, I am sorry if my words sounded like I was promoting a stereotype against cops; despite all their bad behavior I hear about, I do always try, for many reasons, not to actually promote stereotypes, and never accuse "all" of them of anythying. Just a while back, a cop friend told me he's a former T.A. member himself.

Nevertheless, the hatred towards cyclists widespread through NYPD remains a serious, serious problem as evidenced by Ben's blood-boiling story, and it MUST be addressed by the City. MANY, many of them (not "all") act like bullying criminal thugs. Someone ought to tell them that the police force is not a gang, but a body of uniformed civil servants who should be proud to set an example of following laws.

Here's a suggestion:

Their name tags and badge numbers should be huge,

so you don't even have to have the inherently confrontational conversation of asking for them. I see no reason for NYPD to resist such a change--unless they have things to be ashamed of.

]]> By: Aaron Naparstek http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40820 Aaron Naparstek Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:49:02 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40820 Ben, Shoot an email to tips@streetsblog.org, would you? Ben,

Shoot an email to tips@streetsblog.org, would you?

]]> By: Slopion http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40819 Slopion Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:31:53 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40819 "But the Xtracycle is giant and difficult to maneuver. It would have been near impossible for me to kick their car and still keep my balance." Yet from the Xtracycle web site: "...your bike is still lightweight and fast, and because the load is centered between your two wheels, the whole package handles with ease." Sorry to hear it doesn't come as advertised. They look cool. Would love to take one of those shopping. Not surprised, unfortunately, to hear about the obnoxious cops. I encounter marked PD cars blocking and driving in bike lanes all the time. (That said, Andy B, I'll take NYC's safety over Philly's anyday.) "But the Xtracycle is giant and difficult to maneuver. It would have been near impossible for me to kick their car and still keep my balance."

Yet from the Xtracycle web site: "...your bike is still lightweight and fast, and because the load is centered between your two wheels, the whole package handles with ease."

Sorry to hear it doesn't come as advertised. They look cool. Would love to take one of those shopping.

Not surprised, unfortunately, to hear about the obnoxious cops. I encounter marked PD cars blocking and driving in bike lanes all the time.

(That said, Andy B, I'll take NYC's safety over Philly's anyday.)

]]> By: ben http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40818 ben Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:30:45 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40818 had an bike accident last night at 7th and 34th where the cops really treated me like a criminal. i had the green light riding down 7th, but the peds rushing to get to penn station flooded into the road as soon as the cars had passed. even though i had lights on my bike and was shouting an alert, i was unable to stop in time and hit a woman who was waffling back and forth. she fell down, i went down hard, tangled in my bike. i get up, somewhat dazed and full of adrenaline, yelling that i had the green light and why are people walking, etc. seconds later, i hear "POLICE" and had my hands pinned behind my back by an undercover. he led me to the sidewalk, told me to sit down, told me i was under arrest, and used hostile language like "if it was me you hit, i'd knock your f***ing teeth out". conferring with a uniformed officer, he told him i ran the red light. when i tried to argue my side, he repeatedly told me to "shut the f*** up". interestingly, he asked me if i "rode my bike in manhattan on the last friday of the month". i told him i didn't ride critical mass, to which he replied "shut the f*** up" anyway, i'm a regular cyclist who rides safely, and have been commuting to work for years. this was an accident where i was not at fault, the woman i collided with was not injured, yet the cop was treating me like a criminal. he gave the woman my license info ("in case you want to sue him"), and i was released with no arrest and no ticket, but was quite shaken and intimidated by this guy, i felt like asking for his badge number would have driven him over the edge. i just wanted to get out of there. had an bike accident last night at 7th and 34th where the cops really treated me like a criminal.

i had the green light riding down 7th, but the peds rushing to get to penn station flooded into the road as soon as the cars had passed.

even though i had lights on my bike and was shouting an alert, i was unable to stop in time and hit a woman who was waffling back and forth.

she fell down, i went down hard, tangled in my bike.

i get up, somewhat dazed and full of adrenaline, yelling that i had the green light and why are people walking, etc.

seconds later, i hear "POLICE" and had my hands pinned behind my back by an undercover.

he led me to the sidewalk, told me to sit down, told me i was under arrest, and used hostile language like "if it was me you hit, i'd knock your f***ing teeth out". conferring with a uniformed officer, he told him i ran the red light. when i tried to argue my side, he repeatedly told me to "shut the f*** up".

interestingly, he asked me if i "rode my bike in manhattan on the last friday of the month". i told him i didn't ride critical mass, to which he replied "shut the f*** up"

anyway, i'm a regular cyclist who rides safely, and have been commuting to work for years. this was an accident where i was not at fault, the woman i collided with was not injured, yet the cop was treating me like a criminal.

he gave the woman my license info ("in case you want to sue him"), and i was released with no arrest and no ticket, but was quite shaken and intimidated by this guy, i felt like asking for his badge number would have driven him over the edge. i just wanted to get out of there.

]]> By: For what it's worth http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40805 For what it's worth Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:40:02 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40805 I would also add that the starting salary for cops is actually what they are paid for going to school to become one. I would also add that the starting salary for cops is actually what they are paid for going to school to become one.

]]> By: paulb http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/comment-page-1/#comment-40802 paulb Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:03:33 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2007/11/27/nypd-continues-to-criminalize-bicycling-in-new-york-city/#comment-40802 Starting salaries for NYPD are low, but cops do pretty well after a few years on the force. Benefits are also outstanding, where else (except other gov't agencies) can you retire with a full pension after 20 years of service? Maybe the new(ish) transportation commissioner could convene a cyclist/NYPD peace conference. Starting salaries for NYPD are low, but cops do pretty well after a few years on the force. Benefits are also outstanding, where else (except other gov't agencies) can you retire with a full pension after 20 years of service?

Maybe the new(ish) transportation commissioner could convene a cyclist/NYPD peace conference.

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