Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycling

Dear Streetsblog Readers: How Do You Handle a Sidewalk Riding Ticket?

A reader sends along this question about how to deal with the legal aftermath of riding a few feet on an empty sidewalk:

I was wondering if anyone could help me out with a little advice for my court date. I got a ticket for riding my bike on the sidewalk last month and am wondering whether to plead guilty or innocent. The other problem is that I can't read the court date on the ticket. I am going to call the court building and see if they can look it up as I already talked to an officer in the precinct I got the ticket, and he advised me to just show up at the court which seems stupid to me. (I got the ticket out in an industrial section of Bushwick and simply rode up on the sidewalk when I got to my destination to lock up my bike.)

I'm not a lawyer, nor have I ever had to contest a ticket, let alone a silly one like this. If you've got some advice, pass it along in the comments. If you don't have any advice but simply wish to comment on the NYPD traffic enforcement priorities on display here, feel free.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DMV SCANDAL: New York Faces Uphill Battle Getting Back Fraudulently Obtained Licenses

A longtime NYC driving teacher dishes on a pair of shocking scandals at the New York State DMV.

December 4, 2025

State DOT Hurts Cyclists in Rt. 9 Draft Plan: Advocates

The plan to redesign the spine of the river towns misses opportunities to equalize road access and safety for all travelers, according to advocates

December 4, 2025

ANALYSIS: With ‘State of the Agency’ Celebration, DOT Sends Its Resumé to Mamdani

Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez held an invitation-only valedictory address that misrepresented the agency's accomplishments — and called out reporters just trying to do their jobs.

December 3, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Biden Their Time Edition

All the signs point to not wanting to piss off the president. Plus other news.

December 3, 2025

OPINION: On Fifth Avenue, Pedestrians Must Come First

Business leaders on Fifth Avenue respond to criticisms of Mayor Adams's proposal for the high-end retail corridor.

December 3, 2025
See all posts