On Friday, New Yorkers participated in a group ride to protest the NYPD's strict enforcement strategy against cyclists aimed at low-level offenses. This demonstration, termed “Critical Mass,” emerged as a response to Commissioner Tisch's recent policy changes. Cyclists adhered strictly to traffic laws, showcasing how the new tactics potentially endanger riders. Attendees expressed concerns over how these policies could impact their safety and immigration status. Despite the NYPD’s defense of its actions citing e-bikes, demonstrators argue the real danger lies with motor vehicles, and they seek inclusion in city planning as legitimate road users.
"I just think it's bullshit what they're doing," one attendee, Erin Poland, told Streetsblog about the NYPD push, which, she said, is "not actually protecting cyclists [but] putting them in more danger and in more harm."
"I'm here on a Green Card, getting one of these criminal summonses could be damaging for me," said the person, who asked to not be identified. "I hope this sends the message that cyclists aren't the enemy. We're here to work with the city and it would be great if the city considered us part of the road and started making rules that put us not last."
Collection
[
|
...
]