New York, NY—The NYPD reportedly shifted its policy for how it penalizes certain low-level traffic offenses allegedly committed by riders of bicycles and e-bikes. This shift follows Mayor Adams’ new quality of life initiative, and criminalizes infractions that previously would have resulted in a traffic ticket – including riding in the wrong direction, running a red light, or not stopping at a stop sign.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Immigrant workers and deliveristas are trying to make an honest living while supporting New York’s economy. The criminalization of people working and commuting on bicycles and e-bikes is an attack on immigrant, working class, and Black and brown New Yorkers. Given the NYPD’s long history of disproportionately enforcing so-called ‘quality of life laws’ against our communities, there is no doubt that Black and brown individuals and low-income neighborhoods will be targeted in this enforcement as the NYPD is given another tool to racially profile New Yorkers. This policy will unnecessarily filter more immigrant New Yorkers into the criminal system, exposing our immigrant neighbors to unnecessary jail time and potentially even family separation and deportation. Mayor Adams must immediately reverse this policy, and stop the criminalization of bicycle and e-bike-riders. Albany must also step up to end collusion between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement by enacting New York For All.”