Someday this winter's gonna end, and the thousands of new cyclists streaming into Central Park are going to experience first hand what the die-hard all-weather riders have been talking about for months: the NYPD has made ticketing cyclists who blow through red lights a top priority. (Cyclists currently rank much higher on their to-do list than speeding motorists.) And though cyclists are beseeching officials for some kind of common sense compromise, the NYPD has said its committed to upholding the letter of the law, even when the crosswalk is empty.
The West Side Spirit reports that at a meeting with Community Board 7’s Parks and Preservation Committees on Monday, committee members asked "why police can't target only flagrantly dangerous violations, but Captain Wishnia dismissed that idea as selective enforcement." And the NYPD would NEVER selectively enforce the law—especially not in Central Park, where the 25 mph speed limit is sacrosanct. (Just so there's no confusion, that was sarcasm: Transportation Alternatives' East Side Committee is making a series of videos showing drivers speeding with impunity alongside police.)
City Council Member Gale Brewer is one of several officials concerned about the crackdown; she recently wrote a letter to NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly and DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan arguing that while she supports enforcement of traffic regulations for bikes, “to concentrate enforcement within Central Park, when there is no vehicular traffic in the park, does seem to be a misuse of police resources and impose unreasonable restrictions on cyclists in an environment intended for exercise and enjoyment." And Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer sent this letter yesterday to Margaret Forgione, Manhattan Borough Commissioner for DOT.
