Cops have so far issued 810 summonses to cyclists for a spread of violations, according to the NYPD. These violations include failure to yield, running red lights and wearing headphones while riding. Additionally, 38 pedestrians have reported being struck by cyclists, versus 25 over the same time period last year.
The increased enforcement comes after the deaths of two pedestrians killed by cyclists riding along the park’s path. In August, a 75-year-old jogger was struck by a 17-year-old cyclist who was attempting to avoid a pedicab. Last month, a 59-year-old woman died after being struck by a cyclist in the park. These deaths have prompted activists to lower the speed limit in the park to 20 mph from 25 mph.
Even with stepped-up enforcement, a car-free Central Park would make things safer for cyclists and pedestrians, offering both groups more room on the road. Councilmembers Helen Rosenthal and Mark Levine have introduced legislation that would ban cars from the park for a trial period this coming summer.
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Source: Gothamist
