Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Today's Headlines

Thursday’s Headlines: Outrage Over ‘Criminalized’ Cycling Edition

The chorus of boos is growing louder. Plus other news.

More and more voices are finally chiming in on NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch's policy change that is resulting in delivery workers being hauled into criminal court for low-level traffic violations that used to be enforced with a simple ticket.

The logo for the petition.Graphic: TA

On Wednesday, Transportation Alternatives launched a petition, which called Tisch's criminal crackdown, mostly against hard-working and exploited delivery workers, "illogical, cruel, and ineffective," and added that it "will only lead to more New Yorkers stuck behind bars, chased by a criminal record, or at risk of deportation."

Meanwhile, bike lawyer Steve Vaccaro posted a video of him mocking and decrying the new policy on Instagram, which we can't embed, so click on the photo below.

Image: Instagram

The policy has angered so many people that some cyclists are calling for a massive civil obedience to show Tisch the folly of her policy change. And others are just cheering our coverage:

@davidwilliamrosales

Thank you @Streetsblog NYC for the reporting. America in 2025 where running a red light in a bike is a criminal offense. #politics #urbanism #visionzero

♬ original sound - David William Rosales

We'll have a lot more coverage every day until Tisch backs down and focuses a proportionate amount of her attention on the main danger on the roads: cars and trucks, which her own "data-driven" agency's data show, cause virtually all of the injuries to pedestrians.

In 2024, 37 pedestrians were injured in the entire year in 179 reported e-bike collisions, the NYPD said. In that year, 9,610 pedestrians were injured overall, so e-bike riders caused just 0.4 percent of pedestrian injuries.

That pattern has continued in the first three months of this year, with one pedestrian injured by an e-bike rider, according to the NYPD. Over the same period, 2,271 were injured overall, so e-bike riders caused less than 0.04 percent of the reported pedestrian injuries.

In other news from a slow day on the local beat:

  • Days after the U.S. DOT said Amtrak would take over the major renovation project at Penn Station, the rail company said it would lay off 20 percent of its employees in the division that oversees ... major renovation projects. (Bloomberg)
  • Speaking of Amtrak, it's already delaying LIRR trains even before beginning its East River tunnel work. (amNY, NYDN)
  • Teach your children well: A Brooklyn principal was arrested for drunk driving after overturning his car. (NYDN)
  • Remember the Real ID mania that turned out to be a hoax? Well, it's not a hoax! (NY Post)
  • Have we mentioned recently that there's a War on Cars book coming out soon?

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Cyclist: Cop Pulled a Taser During Summons Chase

In a dramatic escalation of the NYPD's criminal crackdown on bike riders, a police officer pulled a stun gun while chasing a cyclist for allegedly running a red light on a regular bike.

May 30, 2025

Albany Pols Seize the Helm(et)

Helmet laws remain controversial — they're the "common-sense" approach pushed by lawmakers who ignore that studies show they don't improve safety.

May 30, 2025

Tisch Reveals Real Reason for Her E-Bike Crackdown: E-Bike Licensing

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch doubles down on her cycling criminalization campaign, saying e-bike licensing is the only other option.

May 30, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: A ‘Critical’ Moment Edition

Cyclists will protest against the NYPD's bike crackdown with a Critical Mass ride to City Hall on Friday. Plus more news.

May 30, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Astoria’s Big Beautiful 31st Avenue Bike Boulevard

Streetsblog paid a visit to New York City's widest on-street protected bike lane ever, which is up and running in Astoria.

May 30, 2025
See all posts