Press Releases

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #21-026
Thursday, August 5, 2021
Contact: Scott Gastel/Brian Zumhagen (212) 839-4850

NYC DOT, NYPD Announce "Bicycle Safe Passage" and Helmet Giveaways to Protect Cyclists

Announcement comes along Queens Boulevard, where DOT is installing the final phase of its redesign, part of the City’s effort to build a record 30 miles of protected bike lanes in 2021

QUEENS -- The New York City Department of Transportation today joined with NYPD to announce the continuation of the “Bicycle Safe Passage” enforcement initiative to protect cyclists in bike lanes, along with a new series of bike helmet giveaways. Today’s 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.

NYPD announced its renewed effort to reduce bicycle-related injuries and fatalities, in which all 77 precincts will focus on infractions like blocking bike lanes, double parking, failure to yield to pedestrians and cyclists and occupying no standing zones. The targeted enforcement will continue through August 11th as part of a Vision Zero initiative first developed in 2016 to protect the city’s bicycle network.

“Ensuring the safety of cyclists within New York City is at the foundation of the NYPD’s Vision Zero program”, said NYPD’s Chief of Transportation Kim Y. Royster. “As the City continues to reopen, the NYPD will be continuing our bicycle safety citywide initiative aimed at protecting cyclists and pedestrians.” Education and enforcement action will continue to be aimed at drivers that make the choice to block lanes and fail to yield to our most vulnerable road users.”

“By combining strong, targeted enforcement with the kind of bold engineering changes that have led to a dramatic drop in fatalities and injuries on Queens Boulevard, we’re protecting cyclists and promoting the sustainable mobility that’s an essential part of New York City’s recovery,” said Kim Wiley-Schwartz, Assistant Commissioner of Education and Outreach at DOT. “We thank Mayor de Blasio and our Vision Zero partners at NYPD for continuing the Bicycle Safe Passage initiative, and for supporting our helmet giveaways around the city.”

Today’s announcement consisted of the following elements:

Bicycle Safe Passage: The NYPD announced details of an initiative will be conducted on all tours with participation from all enforcement personnel with particular attention to the following infractions committed by vehicle operators:

  • All Vision Zero & hazardous parking and moving violations, especially:
    • Speeding, Red Light, Fail to Yield to Pedestrian/Bicyclists and Cellphone/Texting (distracted driving)
    • Vehicles that are parked in, or otherwise obstructing a bicycle lane (No Standing)
    • Double Parking
  • Traffic Enforcement Agents will enforce the above hazardous parking violations throughout the city through August 11th
  • All Traffic Safety Personnel in all 77 precincts will participate and enforce the above Vision Zero and hazardous parking and moving violations through August 11th.
  • Patrol Supervisors will respond to a scene of a bicyclist/pedestrian struck in order to conduct a thorough investigation on whether Administrative Code 19-190, “Right of Way” law has been violated.
  • Auxiliary Officers will conduct high visibility education outreach educating drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians on safer bicycle, vehicle and pedestrian tips to reduce injuries and fatalities.
  • As part of bike enforcement, New York City also released an updated palm card that distinguishes the major differences (and outlines the legality) among e-mobility devices that are rapidly growing in popularity. Please see graphic.

Helmet Giveaways: After suspending in-person fittings during the pandemic, DOT has returned to distributing bicycle helmets, 29,730 of which were distributed by DOT in 2019. New York State law requires helmets for all riders 14 years old and younger.

DOT will be holding a new series of helmet giveaways this month at the following places and times:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 12:00PM – 3:30PM
Sponsored by Council Member Stephen Levin
Thomas Greene Park, 225 Nevins St., Brooklyn, NY 11217

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 11:00AM – 2:30PM
Sponsored by Council Member Mark Gjonaj
Pelham Bay Park, Middletown Road & Stadium Ave. Bronx, NY 10465

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 11:00AM – 2:30PM
Sponsored by Council Member Helen Rosenthal
Riverside Park, Riverside Drive between W. 88th St. and W. 89th St., NY, NY 10025

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29, 11:00AM – 2:30PM
Sponsored by Council Member Kalman Yeger
Gravesend Park, 18th Ave. & 19th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11204

Queens Boulevard Phase 4 Redesign: DOT crews have begun work on the fourth and final phase of the Queens Boulevard protected bike lane -- from Yellowstone Boulevard to Union Turnpike. Under the de Blasio Administration, Queens Boulevard, once known as the “Boulevard of Death,” has seen injuries decline by 18% and severe injuries decline by 38%; since 2016, the Boulevard has seen a total of five traffic fatalities compared to 22 traffic deaths in 1997 alone.

As with the previous three phases of the redesign in 2015, 2016 and 2017, Phase 4 includes new Protected Bike Lanes and pedestrian path along the medians between the service road and the main roadway, along with many other safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, including:

  • New and improved crosswalks at intersections and between median malls
  • New stop controls at slip ramp access points to allow for safer pedestrian and bicycle crossings
  • Elongated left-turn bays 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 at existing commercial loading zones
  • Adding parking in commercial areas near Ascan Avenue and Austin Street

The ongoing Queens Boulevard redesign is part of a plan announced by Mayor de Blasio and DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman to build on last year’s record protected bike lane installation, with a record 30 miles of protected bike lanes in 2021.

“Bicycle riding is a fun, healthy, and environmentally-friendly activity that we in government should be doing our utmost to encourage,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “The best thing we can do to promote bicycling is to create conditions where cyclists can ride safely and confidently throughout our City. The Bicycle Safe Passage initiative will go a long way toward creating those conditions, so I commend the Department of Transportation and the New York Police Department for this joint effort to protect our City’s bicyclists.”

“Providing helmets to cyclists and renewing efforts to keep pedestrians and bike riders out of harm’s way are critical steps in preventing tragedies such as serious injuries and fatalities,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng. “Safety must always be the top priority.”

“Bike lanes are an important part of the transportation system here in New York City, and it is vital that we enforce the rules around those lanes meant to protect our cyclists,” said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “A great way to help protect cyclists is through the DOT’s helmet giveaway program. I applaud the DOT for bringing this life-saving initiative back. I encourage all cyclists to visit one of the helmet giveaways to get themselves a free helmet to protect them while on the road.”

“One issue that continue to emerge is that of vehicles obstructing bicycle lanes creating dangerous conditions for cyclists. As we continue to increase the number bicycle lanes we must also ramp up on enforcement, cracking down on drivers who are putting the lives of pedestrians and cyclists in jeopardy,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chairman of the Transportation Committee. “I hope to continue working alongside Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Johnson, and DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman as we continue expanding on initiatives that will help keep all pedestrians and cyclists safe.”

“We cannot stand idly by while accidents happen, and one injury or fatality is too many. I am proud to join with NYCDOT and the NYPD on the ‘Bicycle Safe Passage’ enforcement initiative and bike helmet giveaways,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “As bike ridership goes up, we must continue to build out the bike infrastructure and protected bike lanes New Yorkers deserve in order to truly achieve Vision Zero and safe streets for all, and this includes ensuring riders have basic protection equipment such as helmets.”

"I'm delighted the Department of Transportation is restarting its helmet giveaway program, and am thrilled to sponsor the Upper West Side distribution event in Riverside Park on August 21st,” said Council Member Helen Rosenthal. “More and more New Yorkers are turning to cycling as a favored mode of transportation. Let's keep them all safe."

“With the rise in cycling as well as so many vehicle alternatives making our streets a challenge, there could be no better time to promote safe passage, safe routes and safe bodies,” said Cristina Furlong, co-founder of Make Queens Safer. “The Bicycle Safe Passage initiative not only protects cyclists, but importantly alerts and educates motorists on their role in preventing crashes and injuries. We thank the Mayor, Vision Zero Partners and the DOT for the return of helmet giveaways and the commencement of Phase 4 of Queens Boulevard. Together, these actions continue to make cycling in New York City an option and alternative for so many, diverse citizens.”

"Public education and outreach are critical as NYC increases the number of lanes dedicated to affordable, reliable, and accessible vehicles, such as bicycles and foot scooters,” said Angela Azzolino, Founder and Executive Director of Get Women Cycling. “Today, we thank A/C Wiley-Schwartz and her team for continually showing up on NYC streets to answer questions, celebrate bicycle lane completions, creating educational curricula and PSAs, as well as, offer and fit free bike helmets to the public. We also applaud the DOT and NYPD for their partnership on ensuring safe passage through street redesigns and operations, such as the Safe Bicycle Passage, which levels up the enforcement of hazardous parking, and reckless driving activities like driving while distracted, failure to yield right-of-way, speeding and disobeying traffic signals all of which place the most vulnerable street commuters at risk. Let’s be sure to continue to level up these actions moving forward."

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