New York City is debating a new policy about tracking bicycles. Recently legislation was proposed by City Councilman Eric Ulrich regarding identification stickers to be adhered to all types of bicycles within the city.
The bill would require an identification tag to be affixed to ones bicycle. There would be a small fee to obtain the mandated sticker. Ulrich defending his proposal by stating, “There seems to be a double standard when it comes to enforcing the traffic laws. Bicycles are involved in accidents, unfortunately, across this city.” He further went on to explain that often cyclists do not have identification on them and the stickers would help with accident investigations. Additionally, he believes that rogue riders may tame their ways if a way to officially identify them is attached right there in plain sight.
Cyclists are speaking out against the proposal. Many feel that it is simply an attempt to gain money for the city. Cycling is growing in the city and the state Department of Transportation says the number of bike commuters is how at 17,451 when just five years ago it was 8,499.
Additionally, cyclists believe Ulrich’s claim that identification can not be carried due to restrictions in clothing is bogus. One bike shop owner stated, “Wearing cycling clothing does not prevent you from carrying identification. Almost all cycling jerseys have multiple pockets.”
The only benefit seen from the legislation would be that stolen bicycles could be easily tracked. One cyclist who was tired or buying replacements for his folding bike said, “Right now, recovered bicycles just get auctioned by police, this way we can claim what is ours.”