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
Astoria Organizers Lead the Way on Street Safety with a Reddit Strategy
The western Queens neighborhood has become a hub for a new kind of safe street advocacy.
Connecticut’s Regional Rail Investment is Not About New York City
Gov. Ned Lamont will spend $315 million investment on new rail cars — but they're not going anywhere near Grand Central. Here's why.
Tuesday’s Headlines: Taxi Driver Edition
It was a pretty slow Monday, but we have news from the Traffic Mobility Review Board meeting!
State DMV’s New Rules Could Kinda Sorta Make Roadways Safer
Of course, it all depends on enforcement and diligence of our motor vehicle officials and cops.
Popular Fort Greene Open Street Fizzles After City Pulls Support
DOT reassigned its contractor, and this open street — which once hosted rollicking dance parties — is history.
