On Friday, hundreds of cyclists gathered in New York City to protest against the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) recent enforcement strategies targeting low-level offenses among cyclists. The demonstration, part of a Critical Mass ride, commenced from Union Square, traversed Midtown, and concluded at City Hall. This ride represented the first large-scale reaction to the enforcement policy introduced by Commissioner Jessica Tisch just a month prior.
Participants adhered strictly to traffic regulations, stopping at every red light, even when no pedestrians or vehicles were in sight. In a satirical display, some riders opted to dismount and walk their bikes against the red light at intersections, a behavior that was legalized by the city the previous year. Erin Poland, an attendee, expressed her frustration with the NYPD’s approach, stating, “I just think it’s bullshit what they’re doing. It’s not actually protecting cyclists but putting them in more danger and in more harm.”
The crackdown has raised specific concerns among immigrant cyclists. One participant, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, highlighted the potential consequences of receiving a criminal summons while holding a Green Card. “I hope this sends the message that cyclists aren’t the enemy. We’re here to work with the city,” she said, urging for better representation of cyclists in city policies.
Commissioner Tisch has publicly defended the increased penalties for violations such as running red lights and riding against traffic. She argues that these measures are essential to address what she deems an alarming rise in reckless e-bike usage. However, critics point out the lack of substantial data to support such claims and express concern that non-e-bike riders are also facing similar crackdowns. Notably, the enforcement has escalated to the point where officers have even brandished Tasers at cyclists in recent interactions.
Despite the focus on cyclists, many argue that the real threat on the road comes from motorists. “Drivers of cars and trucks cause virtually all traffic deaths and fatalities, but they often walk away with nothing more than a traffic citation they can pay online,” one rider lamented. Tara Pham, another cyclist and protester, shared her experiences of being struck by vehicles while abiding by traffic laws. She noted, “I’ve been hit by vehicles twice – pretty badly – and while I was completely following the traffic laws, those drivers face no criminal charges.”
Mayor Adams appears poised to continue implementing stricter regulations against cycling in the upcoming months. His administration recently made headlines when he remarked that the Vision Zero safety initiative has prioritized enforcement against drivers for “far too long,” suggesting a shift in focus away from driver accountability.
The impact of these enforcement policies was felt over the weekend when police arrested Nabihah Ahmad, a Citi Bike rider, for supposedly obstructing traffic and failing to provide identification. Ahmad, who was en route to a yoga class and did not have her ID, recounted her brush with police while maneuvering around drivers blocking the bike lane. She documented her experience on TikTok, capturing the confrontation and subsequent detention, which she described as a “power trip right before my eyes.”
The growing unrest among cyclists in New York City reflects a broader sentiment of discontent regarding how the city manages road safety for all users. With tensions escalating, many hope that their voices will lead to a reevaluation of policies that prioritize enforcement over safety and collaboration.
image source from：https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/06/02/mondays-headlines-critical-mass-edition
