 Bike Lanes for Bikes: It's The Law, Buddy!From Transportation Alternatives Magazine, Jan/Feb 1999
On a balmy Thursday morning in December 1998, civilian cyclists from Transportation Alternatives and NYPD cycle cops from the Manhattan Traffic Task Force teamed together to alert motorists to stay clear of the venerable Sixth Avenue bike lane. The action was the sixth of T.A.'s two-year-old Give Respect/Get Respect Campaign to encourage motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to act more courteous and lawful. T.A. activists gave out good-natured mock tickets to drivers for a number of offenses that endanger bicycle riders. In the meantime, motorists got zapped for parking or standing in the Sixth Avenue bike lane by the cyclists in blue. The police Traffic Task Force, which rides herd on traffic from 60th Street to Houston, gives out on average 2,200 tickets a year for blocking bikes lanes, and some months exceeds 500 bike lane summonses. In recent months, the Task Force has doubled its cycling contingent to include both day and night shifts for a total of about 24 cycling cops. Additionally, the Task Force employs 10-15 civilian traffic agents on bikes who focus on double parking and meter violations.
Check the Calendar to find out when the next Give Respect/Get Respect Action will be held.
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