Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycling

With Matthew von Ohlen’s Killer Still at Large, NYPD Is in Bike Blitz Mode

11:57 AM EDT on July 6, 2016

Wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. #myNYPD in Interceptor ticketing cyclists in Manhattan Bridge. Just crazy.

— Brooklyn Spoke (@BrooklynSpoke) July 6, 2016

Big ticket blitz at 1st Ave and 12th St. Also saw a cop on the #ManhattanBridge for the first time ever #bikenyc

— Bahij Chancey (@Bahij) July 6, 2016

You read that right: While the driver who brazenly struck and killed Matthew von Ohlen last weekend has yet to be apprehended, police officers are handing out frivolous tickets to cyclists on the Manhattan Bridge.

Police are stopping cyclists on the bridge for riding without a bell, according to several accounts on Twitter.

So far this year, motorists have killed 12 cyclists on New York City streets, an increase from five at the same point last year, according to the New York Times.

Other than a one-week initiative in May to keep bike lanes clear of motor vehicles, the NYPD hasn't updated its usual approach to "bike safety" -- ticketing cyclists who break the letter of the law but don't endanger anyone.

Even after a driver was shown on video deliberately running over von Ohlen, inflicting fatal injuries, the local precinct responded by ticketing cyclists and handing out flyers.

The Manhattan Bridge is shared by the 84th Precinct in Brooklyn and the 5th Precinct in Manhattan. To the north, officers from the 9th Precinct were also seen doling out tickets at First Avenue and 12th Street. We have an inquiry in with NYPD to determine if today's ticket stings were a coordinated enforcement action or the work of precincts acting independently.

But regardless of who initiated these bike ticket blitzes, they point to NYPD's institutional failure to mount an effective response to deadly driving that threatens New Yorkers.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

We Have the ‘End of Days’ Flooding Pics You Need Right Now

It's bad out there. How bad? Here is a citywide roundup from our staff ... and our friends on social media.

September 29, 2023

Labor Gains: Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage

Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.

September 29, 2023

Fed Up Bronxites Tell Mayor To Forget About Bus Ride Invitation After Fordham Road ‘Betrayal’

"I really would think that our mayor would be a little bit more active and speak with us, because he hasn't really made any time with riders. We're not the enemy. We just want better bus service."

September 29, 2023

City Pays $150K to Settle Suit Over Cops Who Harassed Man Who Reported Police Parking Misconduct

Justin Sherwood and his lawyer will pocket $152,000 to settle his federal civil rights suit against the city and several officers who harassed him following his 311 calls.

September 28, 2023
See all posts