NYPD To Crack Down On Bikes In 112 Precinct

The upcoming warm weather will bring more bicycle riders and more police enforcement of bike-related laws, a community affairs officer from the 112th Precinct announced in Forest Hills on Wednesday.

Addressing a meeting, P.O. Thomas Rang informed on a citywide bicycle safety initiative that will start in large part this spring.

The effort will also target gas-powered mopeds and electricity-powered two-wheeled vehicles, such as those used by restaurant delivery workers."Bicycles have to obey the same rules as cars," Rang said. "This also applies to pedestrians."

Bike-related accidents and injuries have been rising, Rang noted, especially those in which cyclists hit pedestrians.

Anybody age 14 or over can be fined or arrested for riding a bicycle on a sidewalk, according to the NYPD. Plus, bicycles can be seized or impounded.

When riding as a passenger, children under age five must wear helmets and be in a seat attached to the bicycle. Children under one year old are not allowed to ride as passengers on a bicycle.

Rang also passed along the following bicycle safety tips:  

• ride with the flow of traffic, keeping to the right of the road;
• obey all traffic laws that pertain to motor vehicles;
• signal all turns, using hand signals if necessary;
• carry identification when riding;
• wear a helmet with reflective and light-colored clothing;
• equip your bicycle with a white headlight and red taillight reflectors for visibility and a bell to warn others of your presence;
• bring a repair kit.

After Rang's presentation, Board 6 passed a resolution requesting that all city bicycle lane proposals be submitted to local community boards. The community boards would then provide input about the proposals before the creation of the lanes.

Before the unanimous vote, John Dereszewski, who chairs Board 6's transportation committee, emphasized that the resolution seeks to make the NYC Department of Transportation consider local desires before laying down paint for bike lanes.

"We're not saying we like [bike lanes] or not," he said.