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State Law Would Require Bicycle Licenses for All New Yorkers
By
John Del Signore
Published Feb 28, 2011
Modified Feb 28, 2011
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By
John Del Signore
Published Feb 28, 2011
Modified Feb 28, 2011
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Last month, when City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Queens) proposed a law that would require all adult cyclists in NYC get licenses and register their bicycles, some worried that the legislation didn't go far enough. For example, what happens when a law-abiding, licensed NYC cyclist crosses over the border line from Queens into Long Island, where unregulated, Mad Maxian bicycle gangs dominate the roads and run over thousands of puppies every day? Wouldn't the anarchic bicycle lawlessness across the state undermine NYC's quest for law and order? Just in time, here comes Assemblyman Michael DenDekker to the rescue!
DenDekker (D-Queens) has introduced legislation in the state assembly that would require every bicycle in New York State to have a license plate. One bill would require "the annual registration of personal bicycles and provides for a license plate fee of twenty-five dollars for the first year and five dollars for every year thereafter." To get the license plate, cyclists would need to get their bicycles inspected to make sure they "conform to the lamp and equipment requirements." A second bill would require every commercial cyclist in the state to carry identification and have insurance; their initial registration fee would be $50.
DenDekker estimates that the law would generate an estimated $1,875,000 for the state of New York; as well as recurring annual revenue of $375,000. But it's not about the money, it's about "ensuring personal protection for cases such as bicycle theft or bicycle accidents. With a recent high increase in bike use on roads, rising from 30% in 1980, and doubling to 60% just ten years later, it is essential that the state of New York be able to identify the bicycle riders." And the commercial cycling bill would "be beneficial for small businesses to have liability insurance because the insurance would pay for any medical bills, instead of having the payment come directly from the pockets of the business."
The Assemblyman has not yet responded to requests for comment on the bills, which you can read here. It's unclear what the fine would be for violators, but in light of the raging bicyclist backlash, we're guessing castration (or double castration).
Tagged
bicycle
bicyling
cycling
cyclists
laws
michael dendekker
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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