So what defines a "Commercial bicycle" in the state of New York?

so NY finally declares war on pedicabs

Definitions and justifications.

TL : DR please.

$50 license fee, plus bike plate so if you hit a pedestrian and injure them while on the job, they have a way of identifying you. And suing you, more importantly your insurance company for liability. They want the boss to provide insurance for the job.

Basically, legislating license and liability insurance for "commercial bicycles."

I'm sure this will play well with "interactions" with cars as well.

they did the same thing here in PDX... Being a pedicabber I am for the regulations when done correctly... from what I understand about NYC is that there is a lot of migrant workers with no rights being used for cheap pedicab labor there so, maybe this is needed...

There's plenty of migrant workers with no rights driving around in used autos causing problems at the expense of others. That's a non sequitur.

Just postulating, but this seems like political fodder to appease the masses because the NYC DOT is creating Class A bicycle paths at the lament of drivers.

Not just fodder though, feels like the legislators are testing the waters of potential, all-consuming bicycle licenses and plates.

Keep your hands off my medicare and bicycle license.

Will messengers get to take their plate off, when they're not working?

No, Bill A05429

Mr. DenDekker's contact info: https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Michael-G-DenDekker/

Find your NY assembly member: https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/

that really sucks. i like to remain anonymous on the street.

I believe they tried the same thing in Jersey a while back. It didn't fly here... and it sure as hell won't fly in NYC.

Does anyone else think it's unlikely that the NYPD will actually enforce this? I mean, maybe at first to appease the "higher ups," but I really can't see them chasing around every messenger, etc. without a plate on their bike.

Although I suppose it could turn into another form of cyclist harassment, a la those "exiting the bike lane" charges that we've all heard stories about.

What cop could catch a messenger anyway? They would have to be damn good cyclists themselves.

I think it's a good idea for commercial used bikes. I live and ride everyday in NYC and delivery guys make it dangerous for everyone. Salmoning up and down the avenues, riding on the sidewalk, no lights, no bells, bikes that are falling apart, you name it we see it on a daily basis. The city needs to put a stop to this somehow.

How can a cop prove that the rider they "pull over" is on a commercial bicycle? Couldn't the rider just be "going for a ride"? Or is there going to be some kind of judgment based on appearance?

This bill is gonna need some serious clarification. According to the NY state government website(s), there is no listed status for the bill. I suppose it hasn't even made it out of committee. And given other salient issues--mainly the budget--will legislators bother with this bill right now?

If anything the budget issues will make it more likely to progress. Cyclist bashing is a fantastic nonpartisan issue that politicians of all stripes can safely agree upon, with a healthy dose of moral panic to boot. Bipartisanship ftw!

My guess is that there will be a really fat fine for hiring someone using an unlicensed commercial bike. That will put the screws to courier services and possibly the food delivery guys. Pedicabs and pizza delivery guys are pretty easy to spot. But are they self-employed, or owned by a business?

I'm surprised this is a state bill and not a city ordinance. Won't the responsibility of enforcing such a law fall on the local authorities, e.g. NYPD? So I'm curious how NYC government feels about this.

I mean, am I overlookin another hub for bike messengers in New York state other than NYC?

It wouldn't just apply to messengers. Pedicabs and delivery bikes would be affected too. Senior citizens on their Worksman trikes would have to prove they're just out for a ride, and not delivering crack.

I guess this thread can be closed now. Bill withdrawn.

I was kinda right! Other state reps didn't think bikes were worth attacking at a state level. I wonder if DenDekker is pressuring NYC politicians about this.

But glad this won't pass at the state level.

Hurrah.

No loss, maybe possible gains in headlines for attempt.

a messenger friend of mine, who many years ago, used to work in boston told me stories of how cops would set up roadblocks on frequent messenger routes to ticket them for no helmets and stuff... so i guess it is possible...