Bicycles are an awfully convenient way to get around town. They’re inexpensive, they’re fast, they help to alleviate road congestion and they’re an efficient way to deliver goods in the city.
What many may not realize is that there are rules and laws that are active in the state to help to make commercial bicycling safer for everyone, according to Administrative Code of the City of New York §10-157 and §10-157.1. These laws and rules pertain to commercial bicyclists and must be followed to avoid a fine.
Our New York City bicycle accident attorneys understand that many businesses in the area employ commercial bicyclists to help to speed up delivery and cut down on costs. These companies are required by state law to post the state’s Commercial Bicyclist Safety poster in an area where all employed cyclists can view it. It’s available in a number of languages and can be downloaded on the New York City Department of Transportation‘s (NYCDOT) website.
What is a company required to provide employed bicyclists?
-A 3-digit number unique to each cyclist.
-Some kind of upper body apparel that displays the name of the business along with the employee’s 3-digit number on the back of it.
-The company’s business I.D. card.
-Some kid of audible device, preferably a bell, to help to alert other travelers when needed.
-A red taillight and a white headlight for the bike.
-Reflectors for the bike.
-Working brakes.
Since electric bicycles can’t be registered in the state, their operation is not allowed in the City.
Commercial Bicyclists are required to follow all traffic laws, including the following:
-Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians.
-Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic. Never travel against traffic.
-Bicyclists are required to stop at all stop signs and red traffic lights.
-Commercial bicyclists are not allowed to ride on sidewalks.
-Bicyclists must use a signal when making a turn.
-When riding at night, a headlight and a taillight must be used.
-A bell must be used to signal presence.
-Bicyclists are not permitted to wear more than one earphone while biking.
It is important to remember that traffic violations are issued to the bicyclists and not to the company. Companies are urged to provide their bicyclists with a basket or a pannier for their bicycle. Bags can be hung from the handlebars, but it’s not recommended.
We understand that commercial bicyclists are on a mission and they’ve got things to do, but it’s important for all bicyclists to keep safety as a number one priority. Each year, hundreds are killed in bicycling accidents in the state — the majority of those crashes occur in New York City.
These risks are increased during the summer season as we typically see more travelers, both vehicular and bicycle, during this time of the year. We can help to reduce the number of these accidents by being more courteous and cautious travelers.
Bicycle accident victims in New York can contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC for a free and confidential consultation. Call 718-261-0546.
More Blog Entries:
Bicycle Accidents in Queens: Summer Risks Remain, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, June 17, 2012
New York Personal Injury Case: Negligence in Himmelstein v. Windsor, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, April 9, 2012
