Bike Bill

For anyone with time to spare and a heart that cares:


The death of 23-year-old cyclist Jasmine Herron, killed when a motorist opened a car door into traffic, knocking Jasmine into the path of a city bus, was tragic.  This was a dreadful occurrence, and I once again extend my deepest sympathies to the family.

I want to mobilize our city to understand the importance of sharing streets safely with all the various modes of transportation.  Bicycle travel in particular has become a significant means of travel in our State; in New York City, some estimates put the number of daily trips at a quarter of a million.

The menace of serious injury or death from accidents between bikes and motor vehicles is a reality that every cyclist faces, but it is imperative that we take every feasible action to increase bicycle safety.  Therefore, I will introduce legislation in the New York State Senate to modify VTL Section 502 to include a specific component developed to promote and enhance bicycle safety awareness as part of the required coursework for New York State driver license applicants.  This pre-licensure education will help transform motorists’ attitudes towards cycling, provide training in safeguarding bicyclists, and perhaps even provide additional New Yorkers the confidence to join both me and the hundreds of thousands of their fellows who bicycle for business and pleasure.   

I would love to solicit your help in organizing a bike ride to draw attention to my new bill.

Please join me on a conference call . . .

Date:  Monday, October 4, 2010

Time:  7:00 p.m.

Call in number:  1-218-844-8230

Access code:  406617