Blind lawyer Richard Bernstein was hit by a bicyclist last week, fracturing his pelvis and hip, bloodying his face, and causing him to have to drop out of the New York City marathon. He had been walking in the park at East 90th Street wearing a bright yellow shirt and holding a cane when a cyclist who police said was traveling 35 miles per hour slammed into him.
The story, first reported in the Daily News, has caused quite a buzz, and now it looks like the NYPD is going to crack down on bicyclists breaking laws in the park. We talked to an officer who said that the NYPD will be stepping up enforcement of bike laws starting this weekend after complaints about cyclists and the high-profile accident.
Last year, police began increasing enforcement of laws dealing with bikes in the park, handing out tickets for $270 to cyclists who did things like run red lights or speed. The police acknowledged then that they hadn’t enforced the laws much for the past few decades. The speed limit in the park is 25 miles per hour and bikes are supposed to stop at the same red lights used by cars. After months of back-and-forth and political pressure last year, the NYPD relented on its crackdown (the police also apparently apologized for the speeding tickets). But clearly the issue hasn’t gone away, and could get heated again n the coming weeks.
Bicyclists argue that making them stop at every red light in the park ruins their ability to enjoy the park. Cyclists also note that pedestrians also walk in bike lanes or against Don’t Walk signals. Clearly, a very strict interpretations of the rules could make it difficult for bicyclists to maintain much momentum through the loop road’s 47 lights, even if they’re not attempting to break a Lance Armstrong record. At the same time, it’s also clear that folks are busting through red lights even when there are lots of pedestrians around. (Don’t believe us? Check out a brief video below of bicyclists coasting and even accelerating through a red light on the west side around 72nd street during a busy day on Saturday. At the start of the video, pedestrians are also seen walking against the light. We only shot video for one random red light; we didn’t stick around and wait for the most egregious offenses.)
The city has designated more and more space for bicyclists alone to use, including an increasing number of lanes in Central Park. In fact, there have been numerous new lanes painted on the ground in just the past few weeks, particularly around 72nd Street. With the new lanes and programs like bike-sharing meant to promote bike use, it’s not entirely clear whether bicyclists are more like auto drivers or more like enhanced pedestrians. The lanes and other programs seem to tip the balance more toward viewing bikes as full-fledged vehicles — if taxpayers are going to pay for us to have a special place to ride, then isn’t it even more important that we follow the rules?
What do you think? Let us know in the comments, and vote in our poll below:
[poll id=”14″]
Photos by bijoubaby and Avi.
I’d prefer to see Park Rangers stationed by the high volume crossings to calm the traffic, just like they do in Riverside Park. Lights will never be strictly followed by cyclists and pedestrians, and for the most part people can use their judgement appropriately. Cyclists must know they never have the right-of-way, and pedestrians should know that cyclists are in motion and should give way when practical to prevent the need for a full stop or sudden slowdown. It’s called “sharing”.
The video shows a rollerblader, too. What law do they have to adhere to?
Thanks, the only reasonable comment here!
The bike rules should be strictly enforced. 20 years ago I was hit in the park by a speeding racing bike that I never saw coming until a split second before it hit me. Seeing it would’ve been like trying to spot the edge of an oncoming razor blade. I spent over a month in bed and it wasn’t pretty. Can’t imagine how torturous the recovery would be if it happened now, 20 years later. The bicyclists need to slow down.
Yes! Crack down – and not only in Central Park…but everywhere. Bicycles are vehicles and the traffic laws are for all of us. As far as pedestrians making life difficult for cyclists in bike lanes? Whiners! Spend a few minutes at virtually any intersection in our fair city…and you’ll see bicyclists routinely run red lights and head the wrong way down one way streets. Sure, they aren’t all bad, but there are a lot of ’em who feel empowered and contentious and will freely bang on the sides of cars they deem to be where they want to be or verbally assault anybody in their path. Personally, I like bikes – I’ve had three of them and they’re nice machines…but when it comes to nice…unfortunately, many of their riders aren’t.
With millions of visitors there will always be occasional problems and even disasters. Things run rather smoothly overall. Over-reacting could make the park really unpleasant.
I’m sure some people feel towards cyclist like I do towards dog owners who let their dogs off leash and pay little head to them (which I find more dangerous than cyclist – never had trouble seeing a cyclist). In the end it is about balance, we shouldn’t single out cyclist, if we are going to adhere to the law then we should do so for everyone – from runners (the camp I am in) to cyclist to dog owners to any other users. If you ticket cyclist for breaking the law then ticket dog owners who let their dogs off leash when they shouldn’t (or any other offense), ticket runners for whatever possible law breaking they do, and so on.
In the end I think the best course is enforcing the spirit of the law for all parties – but do so equally.
Look, let’s be realistic.
Most of these cyclists have invested what to the rest of us would be small fortunes in their skin-tight Lycra official “Look At Me, I Look Like Lance Armstrong” cycling togs. Heck, their cycles alone would support many of our families for a week or more. It’s just not fair to deprive them of the joy of showing off their colors at the highest speeds they can attain — after all, that’s what life is about, isn’t it??
Besides, most of them probably drive Mercedes or BMW or Land Rover SUVs, and so are totally exempt from all traffic laws anyway. Next thing you’ll be complaining about their texting while cycling!
So get a life, the rest of you. If you don’t like the way the wealthy are cycling, then just stay the heck out of their park.
Got it?
the cyclists in spandex, look at me? Dude, you should try cycling–it will narrow your waistline. Clearly now you are a bit piqued by their fitness, but you neednt be: join the cycling revolution, and be a part of the new age of being fit-and good to look at in spandex, or NOTHING at all!
As a Detroit ex-pat, I’m curious to see how this lawsuit will unfold. The Bernstein family from Metro Detroit are some of the best personal injury attorneys in Michigan. I would personally like to see a major crack down on all NYC biking laws. How many times have we all been almost run over by cyclists on sidewalks, going the wrong way down one way streets, running red lights… 1-800-Call-Sam!
Cyclists who do not stop for lights, pedestrian crossings, and stop signs are a menace not only in Central Park but throughout the City. A particularly dangerous site is the entrance to Riverside Park South at the foot of the ramp down from 69th St.. to the Pier i Cafe and the Pier at Hudson River & 70th St. Despite a clearly visible Stop for Pedestrians sign, numerous bicyclists continue at top speed on the bike path, going right through the pedestrian crossing while people are trying to cross. This crossing bears foot heavy traffic, including children, seniors, and everyone in between.
Let’s include Riverside Park as well. The laws should be for all parks in New York City. Bicyclists are vehicles. They choose to ride fast. They have been given designated areas and yet ride all over the place. There should be tickets handed out for speeding, passing red lights, and especially for riding on the sidewalk. There are two laws on the books about riding on the sidewalk. Now with increased bicycle use the police need to enforce laws and hand cyclists tickets.
It’s long past due. My wife was struck by a young cyclist visiting NYC 3 years ago. He was not watching and drifted into the pedestrian lane. The police took the wrong information on the rider, and it cost $10,000 in dental bills, and almost a year of discomfort for my wife. The tourist returned to Italy with his family, and will undoubtedly do it again, since he didn’t even come over to see what he had done.
What about the food delivery cyclists on the city streets. They also need to be fined heavily for breaking the law.
If this lawyer had been hit and injured (or even killed) by a person driving a car or a truck, then the story would read, “NYPD issued no citations and stated that no criminality was suspected.” The hypocrisy is especially disgusting when one realizes that deaths & injuries caused by motorists outnumber those caused by cyclists by at least a thousand to one!
As a cyclist, I am frequently infuriated by other cyclists who (1) ride in the wrong direction, (2) ride on the sidewalk, and (3) nearly run over pedestrians who have the right of way (ie: pedestrians who are crossing when they have the light). It makes all cyclists look bad, and in addition to putting pedestrians at risk, it puts cyclists who are obeying the law at risk as well.
On the other hand, pedestrians and cars alike have ZERO respect for cyclists who are riding where they are supposed to ride when they have the right of way. Pedestrians will cross without any regard for the do not walk sign, cars will drive in bike lanes or use them as their turning lanes, and drivers who are parking adjacent to the bike lane will open their doors without looking first, often “dooring” the approaching cyclist. In Central Park, the bike lane is for some reason used as the joggers’ lane, so there is no practical way for a cyclist to use the lane designated for his/her use.
With that in mind, I think it is completely unfair for police to ticket any and all cyclists who run red lights in Central Park; while cyclists should absolutely stop at a red light when there are pedestrians crossing, there are an excessive amount of lights in the park, and as the post mentions, stopping at every red light makes the ride incredibly frustrating and unenjoyable. Police should use their judgment in handing out tickets; if a cyclist is not impeding or endangering a pedestrian, he/she should not be ticketed for riding through a red light. I do, however, think more enforcement is necessary outside of the park so cyclists stop riding on sidewalks and going the wrong way. The most egregious offenders are usually delivery people, and the city should make all restaurants get their bike delivery people licensed and be held responsible for their riders.
I ride a bike around town, especially in Riverside and I gotta tell you that the cyclists are their own worst enemies. If you just look at Riverside, I am usually the only cyclist who stops to let pedestrians cross the bike path, especially at the 68th street steps and the adjoining ramp. Every single day I see the speed racer idiots wiz past the old people and the baby strollers without even an attempt to slow down no less stop. One day someone will die and all the speed racer morons will be blaming everyone but themselves.
I hope they do increase patrolling of Central Park to improve safety, but I don’t think speed alone should be the focus. On a Saturday afternoon, 25mph is far too fast for the population density in the park (Central Park and Riverside/Hudson path). The real issue is failure to yield to pedestrians no matter where they are and give them room. I hear the excuse far too often that “they turned into me without looking” which really means the cyclist was passing too closely. I have seen some police presence at high traffic areas, but little outreach or enforcement. The first thing I tell people getting bikes is to stay out of Central Park after 10am on weekends. It is just too busy.
Weekends I run on the bridle path or ride over the bridge (via city streets). It is the safest option. The times I do ride in Central Park are when most of the city is still asleep and/or getting ready for bed.
Cyclist: CRCA/NYCC
Runner: NYRR
Dog Owner: Vizsla
That’s not always true. I absolutely agree with you regarding the density of volume in the park on weekends. However, because of that density, cyclists, runners, bladers, walkers (some with dogs, some without), carriages make it difficult to dodge a pedestrian who walks into the drive without looking. If it’s after 9:30 AM on the weekend, I avoid biking in the park. It’s like a demolition derby in that place. Riverside Park above 59th St. is just too narrow to accommodate the amount of users on a nice day.
Nick, sorry, I should have added that I agree with you regarding when to bike in the park.
Not a problem. The real shift in weekend park users in summer is about 7:30am. It is very noticable when the city wakes up. Double it when it gets closer to marathon time.
Every morning I tweet photos of guys racing their bikes while hogging the car lane, as my wife drives us to work. We don’t think it is right to honk in the park, so every car must take a chance on passing these road hogs.
In leading Central Park walking tours, I have to instruct groups to cross at Strawberry Fields shoulder-to-shoulder rather than single file, as it is the only safe way to cross. That is the most dangerous intersection for bikes & walkers. It’s not all cyclists, just the type-A guys with $3000 racing bikes.
Just as cars are taken from bad drivers, aome of these guys deserve to have their bikes sold for charity.
In the 1970s I protested to get the bike lanes these guys don’t use!
How about not using a public park as your personal highway? I find it disgusting that cars are ever allowed in the Park at all. People complain about bikes “speeding” at 25mph but not about two lanes of car traffic at 30mph spewing exhaust. Use the surrounding streets and let the runners, walkers, cyclists, and everyone enjoy a little peace away from vehicular traffic. I love seeing cyclists riding in the car lanes to slow them down. They do not belong.
This is the Central Park Driver – it was designed for carriages and bikes, not pedestrians, joggers and baby carriages.
Yet you are all surprised when you find bicycles riding on the park drive!
Speeding? Lance Armstrong? Lycra Clad Nuts?
Bike Haters!
I have been schlepping a bike along the Central Park Drive for 50 years, and it does not matter how slow I ride – I get yelled at for going too fast. That’s when I am being passed by a jogger; that’s how slow I’m going. But it’s not slow enough for some people.
And why is it these same people can’t stay in the walk/run lanes? Or even better, walk and run on the hundreds of miles of pedestrian paths in the park – the same paths you have a cow if a cyclist is to slowly ride on. Really, if you are so stuck on walking on the park drive, when do you ever get to walk on the park paths?
Goldilocks Effect – always too fast or too slow. Gotta love TourguideStan; bikes are too slow for him when he is driving – in the park? Some bikes are riding outside the door zone which puts them safely into the motor lane, but no – Stan can’t be bothered to share the road and pass safely. He has to be steamed at slow bikes.
And then Stan is on foot crossing the park drive. Now the the bikes are too fast for him. Stan, I will give you credit, you have figured out the right way to safely move a large number of people across a roadway – lined up abreast, not in a long strung out line. But bikes being too fast here, on the park drive?
Easy fix for Riverside Park. Let’s give cyclists one of the lanes of the Henry Hudson Parkway – it is a “park”way – right?
Now if we could only keep the runners and pedestrians off that Henry Hudson Parkway Bike Lane, all would be well.
Stop blaming cyclists for the Riverside Bike Path problem at 68th Street. That intersection was stupidly designed. There is a high fence on one side, neither cyclists nor pedestrians can see each other, their is the restaurant on the other side, with garbage blocking half the path as well as blocking the view, there has never been night lighting there, and there is a forced narrow direct crossing.
The proper design would include lower fences for advanced vision, good lighting, a wider path – probably split between north and south bound bike traffic, an offset crossing so pedestrians don’t just roll out without looking, and the restaurant should be moved away from the path and it’s rear kept clean of garbage and obstructions. With the right design, cyclists and crossing pedestrians would choreograph smooth movements, minimizing the need for either to slow much or stop at the crossing.
I won’t apologize if bad design causes path users unneeded conflicts.
Blame Dept of Parks, not the bikes or pedestrians if Parks doesn’t know how to build safe bike paths. Parks forgot everything Robert Moses’ staff learned in 1941, building the Belt Parkway Bike Path along the Narrows. Sometimes Moses got it right!
that’s funny, the runners aren’t stopping at the red lights either!
Cyclists should not have to stop at red lights when the park is closed to cars.
They should however slow down when approaching heavy intersections or when they see pedestrians.
Problem is, this article, like every single one, including the liars at NYDN, no one looks at the role of the pedestrians crossing everywhere against all lights at all times. So what are cyclists supposed to be: better than anyone else? Including motorists who NEVER go 25 mph in the park? Let’s get real, this is all about punishing the minority.
I think this says it best, if cyclist are going to be ticketed then everyone else should as well. That means no one in bike lane except for bikes. Pedestrians and joggers being cited for going through red lights. Why are there lights there anyway? Cars should be outlawed in the park as well.
Reasonable Cyclist says:
August 20, 2012 at 2:24 pm
As a cyclist, I am frequently infuriated by other cyclists who (1) ride in the wrong direction, (2) ride on the sidewalk, and (3) nearly run over pedestrians who have the right of way (ie: pedestrians who are crossing when they have the light). It makes all cyclists look bad, and in addition to putting pedestrians at risk, it puts cyclists who are obeying the law at risk as well.
On the other hand, pedestrians and cars alike have ZERO respect for cyclists who are riding where they are supposed to ride when they have the right of way. Pedestrians will cross without any regard for the do not walk sign, cars will drive in bike lanes or use them as their turning lanes, and drivers who are parking adjacent to the bike lane will open their doors without looking first, often “dooring” the approaching cyclist. In Central Park, the bike lane is for some reason used as the joggers’ lane, so there is no practical way for a cyclist to use the lane designated for his/her use.
With that in mind, I think it is completely unfair for police to ticket any and all cyclists who run red lights in Central Park; while cyclists should absolutely stop at a red light when there are pedestrians crossing, there are an excessive amount of lights in the park, and as the post mentions, stopping at every red light makes the ride incredibly frustrating and unenjoyable. Police should use their judgment in handing out tickets; if a cyclist is not impeding or endangering a pedestrian, he/she should not be ticketed for riding through a red light. I do, however, think more enforcement is necessary outside of the park so cyclists stop riding on sidewalks and going the wrong way. The most egregious offenders are usually delivery people, and the city should make all restaurants get their bike delivery people licensed and be held responsible for their riders