For safety reasons: New York may introduce license plates for bicycles
'17.05.2021'
Olga Derkach
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said that with the rise in the number of people using cycle paths and the increase in bicycle-related injuries, he is open to the idea of licensing and license plates for bicycles. Writes about it CBS Local.
There are times when cyclists drive in the wrong direction on a one-way street, completely ignoring the cycle path. And then there is the crowd “a red traffic light means nothing to me”, and there are many of them.
“I think ideas like cyclist license plates certainly need to be considered because we are entering a new world where more and more people are cycling. This is an idea that needs to be explored, ”said de Blasio.
In the past, the mayor was hesitant to fight cyclists, but safety on the streets is very important and the number of injuries is on the rise.
NYPD statistics show that 482 people have suffered bicycle-related injuries in the past four weeks. This is 115% more than last year.
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Cyclists are divided over license plates.
“I don’t like it,” one said.
"It works for me. There are many people who should not be driving on the roads, ”said Nelson Cabassa.
“Another bureaucratic failure,” added Art Edelstein.
“You have to pay to get a license plate and it will cost a lot of money,” said Tony Belgrave.
It is unclear if the mayor has enough time during the term to pass the licensing law, or if the next mayor will accept the idea.