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

UPDATE: NYPD Plagiarized Image — And Badly! — for Anti-Cyclist Tweet

You can add theft to the list of sins the NYPD has committed recently against cyclists.

The cartoon image in an anti-cyclist tweet posted last week by the 107th Precinct in Queens — reported on by Streetsblog last week — was actually stolen from a 2017 article in Thrillist. The graphic, by artist Jason Hoffman, adorned a story in which Bike Snob Eben Weiss gave cyclists helpful hints on avoiding trouble in the city. It was not an anti-cyclist story.

Cut to last week, however, when the 107th Precinct swiped the graphic and repurposed it as a symbol of cyclist lawbreaking.

“Bike smart. Be visible, use bike lanes and remember to give pedestrians priority,” the tweet said, even though nothing in the picture suggests that cyclists were not prioritizing the pedestrian, who is walking against the light without paying attention, while a cyclist gets a ticket for, it seems, no reason at all.

107th tweet

Hoffman told Streetsblog that he couldn't talk about the plagiarism before discussing it with Thrillist's legal team. But he did say that no one from the NYPD contacted him about using the image.

It is unclear how the NYPD found Hoffman's image. But, curiously, it shows up prominently if you do a Google images search "cyclists breaking the law cartoon."

The NYPD declined to comment for this story. The agency had issued a statement last week that failed to answer Streetsblog's question about who made the image for the NYPD.

Now we know why.

Spokeswoman Jessica McRorie said only, "The goal of the tweet is to promote safety for bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians alike. The graphic was meant to depict officers addressing the concerns of bicyclists, and emphasize traffic safety for everyone. The NYPD is a proud partner of the Vision Zero mission."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Kirsten Gillibrand Trots Out Bogus FDNY ‘Toxins’ in Quest to Weaken Congestion Pricing

Gillibrand's solution to potential toxins in the subway is more automobile toxins in the air.

February 4, 2025

Memo to Mayor Adams: Reliable Buses Start with You

Congestion pricing’s success and legacy depends on improving bus service. Mayor Adams must act.

February 4, 2025

Toyota Attacking Sustainable Transportation (Even More Than You Think)

The world's largest automaker has been ramping up spending to put climate change deniers in Congress, and crushing support for all kinds of sustainable modes in the process.

February 4, 2025

A Child Went For a Walk on a Rural Highway Alone. His Mom Got Arrested For It.

Should parents — or the state? — be liable when their children walk on dangerous roads?

February 4, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Is Congestion Pricing Finally … Popular?

Earth to President Trump: Don't cancel congestion pricing! Plus other news.

February 4, 2025
See all posts