NYPD Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association

Bicycle Safety By Heidi Harrison Chain

Bicycle safety

Bicycle Safety
The weather is beautiful. We should all be outside, walking, riding our bicycles and enjoying the community. We must all remember that bicyclists operate in compliance with applicable law. The operator of a bicycle must abide by the same traffic rules and regulations as the operator of a motor vehicle. The NYPD will be enforcing these rules and regulations. Therefore- OBEY THE LAW:
** Adults should not be riding bicycles on the sidewalk.
** Bicycles must travel in the same direction as traffic
** Bicycles must stop at red lights ** Bicycles must stop at stop signs

Safety Tips

Safety Tips
In an article in the Newsday, April 17th “Spokes People” it indicates that 3,000 people get hurt riding in New York City each year. We want to be sure that you and the members of your family are not part of this group. You do not need to be injured when having fun.
Check that your bicycle is in good working order. Wear a helmet. Parents remember that children should wear a helmet. In fact, it is always a good safety practice for everyone to wear a helmet regardless of your age. Before riding a bicycle you should make sure that it has a bell or horn. The bike should have a white light in the front and a red taillight in the rear. Put reflectors on both wheels. Reflective material attached to other parts of the bike will help make you visible to drivers in low light conditions.
While riding you must watch around you. If a car just parked be aware that the driver may open the car door. The Newsday article indicates that people on bicycles get hurt “ Particularly in Queens” when a car driver opens the car door without thinking and into the path of the cyclist. Newsday suggests that you ride: ”three to four feet away from parked cars”.
Wear visible clothing or put reflective material on your clothing to increase your visibility.

The applicable laws

The applicable laws regarding bicycles in the City as summarized by the DOT website are:
¤ 4-02 (a) - Compliance with and Effect of Traffic Rules
The provisions of N.Y.C. Traffic Rules are applicable to bicycles. These provisions include all traffic controls for motor vehicles including pavement markings, signs and traffic signals.
¤ 4-07 (c) - Restrictions on crossing sidewalks
3. Driving bikes on sidewalks is prohibited unless sign allows or wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter and rider under 14 years of age. See also Administrative Code ¤19-176.
¤ 4-08 (e) - Stopping, standing and parking prohibited in specified places
9. Parking, standing or stopping vehicles within, or otherwise obstructing, bike lanes is prohibited.
¤ 4-12 (e) - Driver's hand on steering device
Drivers must have at least one hand on steering device or handlebars at all times.
¤ 4-12 (h) - Reporting accidents by drivers of other than motor vehicles
Riders involved in accidents resulting in death or injury to person or damage to property must stop and make a report to the Police Department.
¤ 4-12 (o) - Use of roadways
1. Bicycles are prohibited on expressways, drives, highways, interstate routes and thruways unless authorized by signs.
¤ 4-12 (p) - Bicycles
1. Riders must use path if provided except for access, safety, turns, etc.; 2. Other vehicles must not drive across bike lane except for access, safety, turns, etc.; 3. Bicyclists may ride on either side of a 40-foot wide one-way roadway.

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