NEW YORK – The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) joined the NYPD on Friday to announce the continuation of the “Bicycle Safe Passage” law enforcement initiative that seeks to protect bicyclists. on the bike lanes, along with a new giveaway series including bike helmets.
“Ensuring the safety of bicyclists within New York City is the foundation of the NYPD’s Vision Zero program,” said NYPD Chief of Transportation Kim Y. Royster. “As the City continues to reopen, the NYPD will continue our citywide bike safety initiative aimed at protecting bicyclists and pedestrians.” Education and law enforcement actions will continue to target drivers who choose to block lanes and not yield to our most vulnerable road users. “
The announcement took place along Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills, where DOT has begun work on the final phase of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s signature redesign, as the Administration works to install a record 30 miles of protected bike lanes. in 2021.
The New York Police Department announced its renewed effort to reduce bicycle-related injuries and deaths, in which the 77 barracks will focus on infractions such as: blocking bike lanes, double-parking, failing to yield to pedestrians and cyclists and do not occupy stop areas. The dedicated app will continue until August 11 as part of a Vision Zero initiative first developed in 2016 to protect the city’s bike network.
“By combining strong, targeted enforcement with the kind of bold engineering changes that have led to a dramatic drop in deaths and injuries on Queens Boulevard, we are protecting cyclists and promoting the sustainable mobility that is an essential part of recovering from New York City. ” said Kim Wiley-Schwartz, Assistant Commissioner for Education and Outreach at DOT.
“We thank Mayor de Blasio and our Vision Zero partners at the NYPD for continuing the Bicycle Safe Passage initiative and for supporting our helmet giveaways in the city.”
Today’s announcement consisted of the following elements:
Safe passage for bicycles: The New York Police Department announced the details of an initiative that will be carried out on all trips with the participation of all law enforcement personnel, with special attention to the following infractions committed by vehicle operators:
All Vision Zero and dangerous parking and traffic violations, especially:
- Speeding, red light, failure to yield to pedestrians / bicyclists, and cell phone / texting (distracted driving)
- Vehicles that are parked or obstructing a bike lane (no stopping)
- Double parking
Traffic Control Officers will enforce the mentioned dangerous parking violations citywide through August 11.
All road safety personnel in all 77 precincts will participate and enforce Vision Zero mentioned above and dangerous parking and traffic violations through August 11.
Patrol supervisors will respond to the scene of a run over bicyclist / pedestrian to conduct a thorough investigation into whether Administrative Code 19-190, the “Right of Way” law, has been violated.
Auxiliary officers will conduct high-visibility educational outreach activities to educate drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians on safer tips for bicycles, vehicles, and pedestrians to reduce injuries and deaths.
As part of the bikes app, New York City also released an updated palm card that distinguishes the main differences (and outlines the legality) between electric mobility devices that are rapidly growing in popularity. Please see the chart.
Protective helmet gifts: After suspending them in person during the pandemic, the DOT has re-distributed bicycle helmets, 29,730 of which were distributed by the DOT in 2019. New York State law requires that all 14 riders years or younger have helmets.
DOT will be holding a new series of helmet giveaways this month at the following locations and times:
SATURDAY AUGUST 7, 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Sponsored by Councilman Stephen Levin
Thomas Greene Park, 225 Nevins St., Brooklyn, NY 11217
SATURDAY AUGUST 14, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Sponsored by Council Member Mark Gjonaj
Pelham Bay Park, Middletown Road y Stadium Ave. Bronx, NY 10465
SATURDAY AUGUST 21, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Sponsored by Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal
Riverside Park, Riverside Drive entre W. 88th St. y W. 89th St., NY, NY 10025
SUNDAY AUGUST 29, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Sponsored by Councilmember Kalman Yeger
Gravesend Park 18th Ave. y 19th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11204
Queens Boulevard Phase 4 Redesign: DOT teams have begun work on the fourth and final phase of the Queens Boulevard protected bike lane from Yellowstone Boulevard to the Union Turnpike. Under the De Blasio Administration, Queens Boulevard, once known as the “Boulevard of Death,” has seen injuries decrease by 18% and serious injuries by 38%; Since 2016, the Boulevard has suffered a total of five traffic fatalities compared to 22 traffic fatalities in 1997 alone, according to city data.
As with the previous three phases of the redesign in 2015, 2016 and 2017, Phase 4 includes new protected bike lanes and pedestrian paths along the medians between the service road and the main road, along with many others. safety improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists, including:
- New and improved crosswalks at intersections and between midsize shopping malls
- New stop controls at slide ramp access points to allow safer pedestrian and bicycle crossings
- Elongated left turn compartments for simpler, safer turns and better vehicle processing
The project will also include elements to preserve access to local businesses in this mixed-use residential and commercial area, including:
- New truck loading zones and additional hours in existing commercial loading zones
- Add parking in commercial areas near Ascan Avenue and Austin Street
The ongoing redesign of Queens Boulevard is part of a plan announced by Mayor de Blasio and Department of Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman to take advantage of last year’s record installation of protected bike lanes, with a record 30 miles of bike lanes protected by 2021.
For more information Click here.
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