New York, NY—Today, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the NYPD would end former Mayor Eric Adams’ policy of giving cyclists and e-bikers criminal summonses for minor traffic violations. For immigrant New Yorkers, even low-level offenses – charges, arrests or convictions – can impact individuals with pending or vulnerable immigration statuses. Failure to appear in criminal court can trigger immigration consequences if bench warrants, arrests, or investigations are utilized to enforce the original policy. Exposure to jail and the criminal legal system can potentially lead to immigrant detention and deportation.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“New York City is powered by immigrant workers and deliversistas who work on bicycles and e-bikes. Nearly every New Yorker relies on bicycle deliveries, yet the people making those deliveries are too often criminalized for minor traffic violations. For immigrants, bike-related citations can put entire futures in jeopardy, especially under the Trump Administration. Enforcement that targets people on bikes at work and biking to work disproportionately harms immigrant, working-class, and Black and brown New Yorkers. We commend Mayor Mamdani for rescinding this draconian policy. We look forward to working with City Hall to continue to enact policies that recognize the challenges and realities of working class New Yorkers, and advance solutions that create a safer and more prosperous New York City.”