A proposed state bill would permit New York City’s transportation department to install up to 50 cameras that would monitor bike lane violations, with drivers that block bike lanes facing a $50 fine.

“Drivers entering bike lanes are breaking the law, even if they have their blinkers on while dashing into a store to drop off a package or grab a coffee. But they’re unlikely to be cited by police, both because the infraction is usually brief and because officers seldom prioritize bike lane enforcement.” Even worse, police cars can often be seen blocking bike lanes themselves.
Reporting for Bloomberg CityLab, David Zipper describes a New York state bill that seeks to address this issue by deploying cameras that record bike lane violations. “The bill would give the city’s transportation department the green light to install up to 50 such bike lane cameras, with violators mailed $50 fines.”
Unlike a similar law passed in June that allows English towns to use bike lane cameras (London has announced it will install camera-based bike lane enforcement), the New York bill doesn’t apply to painted bike lanes that are not already semi-protected by flexible delineators or other physical infrastructure.
Of course, this effort still falls short of fully protecting people on bikes. “The obvious way to protect bike lanes is, literally, to protect them — with hard infrastructure that physically prevents motor vehicles from invading cyclists’ space.” As Zipper notes, “Research shows that protected lanes offer a powerful way to boost street safety — and that fear of a collision (especially among women) may be the single greatest obstacle preventing more people from using a uniquely healthy, climate-friendly, and space-efficient means of transport.”
FULL STORY: A New Tool in the Battle to Keep the Bike Lane Clear

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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