[Yak] NYC Bike Law

[al davis]

On Wednesday 17 February 2010, Dongee Lee wrote:
> I am planning on visiting NYC in April, and began to read up
>  on NY   bike law which says bike riding on sidewalks is not
>  allowed. Violation results in confiscation of the bike.
> 
> Now, could someone tell me how seriously this is
>  enforced?  I   sometimes prefer to ride on sidewalks for
>  safety reasons although they are probably not allowed in
>  most cities.  I cannot imagine bikes getting taken away
>  riding on sidewalks.

I don't have an answer to the question you asked, but there is 
so much pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks that such a rule, 
and strict enforcement, makes sense, "for safety reasons".

Most people I have known who live there do not own cars.  They 
get around mostly by walking and mass transit.

On most of the roads, traffic is heavy and slow, and mostly 
people who don't live there.  If you ride on the road, you won't 
be holding anyone up.

If you are there for a visit, I recommend using mass transit as 
your primary mode of travel within the city.  If you need to get 
somewhere fast, usually the bike is the fastest way.