In a controversial move that has drawn concern from legal advocates, immigrant rights groups, and everyday New Yorkers alike, the NYPD has begun issuing criminal summonses to cyclists for minor infractions like riding through stop signs or rolling through red lights. According to a recent Streetsblog article, this policy shift disproportionately affects immigrant delivery workers, many of whom rely on bicycles and e-bikes to earn a living.
What was once handled as a traffic violation is now being escalated into criminal court appearances, putting hardworking cyclists at risk of arrest, legal jeopardy, and even immigration consequences.
Why This Matters to New York Cyclists
The NYPD claims this increased enforcement is in response to complaints about e-bike usage. However, no data has been released to support the policy’s justification. Reports from Streetsblog describe entrapment-like tactics in high-traffic areas such as Sixth Avenue and Midtown, where delivery cyclists report feeling hunted.
One delivery worker named SP, originally from Angola, explained how a minor traffic stop under the new policy could jeopardize his immigration case. “It’s so scary now you can’t even ride in peace,” he told Streetsblog. “The police are literally targeting the delivery guys.”
As criminal summonses become public record, they open a dangerous pathway for ICE intervention, even in sanctuary cities like New York. Legal experts, including Daniel Flanzig of Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP, caution that even a single ticket could complicate asylum applications or other immigration proceedings.
The Human Cost of Criminalizing Cycling
With tens of thousands of cyclists navigating NYC’s streets every day, particularly for food delivery, the new crackdown could have wide-reaching effects. These riders, often classified as independent contractors by delivery apps like UberEats and Grubhub, lack employment protections, yet are penalized for infractions often incentivized by the apps’ demand for speed.
Despite calls for reform, including a draft bill from the Mayor’s office aimed at regulating the delivery industry, little progress has been made, leaving riders vulnerable and unsupported.
You’re Not Alone — Legal Help for Bicycle and E-Bike Riders
If you’ve been stopped, ticketed, or injured while riding a bike or e-bike in New York City, Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP is here to help. With deep experience in bicycle accident law, our firm stands up for cyclists who have been unfairly targeted, injured, or penalized.
Whether you are facing a criminal summons, were injured by a negligent driver, or simply want to understand your rights as a rider, our team is a powerful advocate in and out of court. We understand the unique challenges facing immigrant and delivery workers, and we are committed to protecting your freedom, livelihood, and future.
Don’t Let a Ticket Threaten Your Future
In a time when riding a bike can land you in a courtroom, having the right legal team matters more than ever. Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP is a trusted resource for anyone who has suffered from a bicycle accident or been caught in the NYPD’s new enforcement sweep. Let us help you navigate the legal system and fight for your rights.
Contact us today at (888) 290-5994 or through our online form to schedule a consultation.