Lappin Law Would Fine Bike Delivery Employers

Ms. Lappin, a Democrat who represents the Upper East Side, said shehas regularly received complaints from constituents about unsafeconditions. A nine-year-old constituent, Annabel Azziz, wrote to her,saying, “We can’t take a walk without being nervous of bicycles zoomingnext to us.” Another constituent, an elderly woman, was hit by a bikelast Thursday and needs hip replacement surgery as a result, she said.

Although she did not have statistical evidence, Ms. Lappin said shebelieved that workers who use bikes are in general less responsiblethan recreational cyclists, who, she said, were more likely to usehelmets and obey traffic laws.

“I hear in community meetings, night after night, that people areafraid to walk down the street,” Ms. Lappin said in a phone interview.

Under the bill, the employer of a worker found to have broken thelaw while using a bicycle for commercial purposes would be liable forthe violation. Ms. Lappin said that shifting the liability from workersto their employers would give businesses a greater incentive to ensurethat their employees are following the law.

Bicycle riders who violate traffic regulations can be fined between$100 and $300, with an additional $200 fine if the rider hits apedestrian. Ms. Lappin said her bill would not increase the penalties,but only shift the fine from the workers to the employers.