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Mamdani ends criminal enforcement for bike violations in NYC
Alongside the enforcement change, Mamdani announced a citywide safety training program for bicycle and e-bike delivery workers
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 19, Mar 2026
- 15:34 EDT
- 19
Zohran Mamdani / X (Zohran Mamdani)
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on March 18 announced that he will end criminal enforcement for low-level traffic offenses by cyclists and e-bike riders in the city.
Beginning March 27, the New York City Police Department will stop issuing criminal summonses for minor violations, including disobeying stop signs. Under the previous policy, such offenses could require riders to appear in criminal court, with failure to appear risking a bench warrant or arrest.
Also Read: Mamdani eases small business loans in NYC
The move marks a policy shift aimed at reducing penalties on working riders while advancing street safety measures.
Under Mamdani’s directive, these violations will instead be handled through the city’s civil summons system, aligning enforcement for cyclists and e-bike riders with that applied to motorists.
“Every New Yorker on our roads, whether driving or biking, deserves to be treated fairly. By ending criminal summonses for low-level traffic offenses, we’re ensuring cyclists and e-bike riders—including those who deliver our food and groceries—are treated like others on the road,” Mamdani said. “At the same time, we’re making our streets safer for everyone.”
The administration said the change is part of a broader effort to balance enforcement with safety while addressing what it described as a punitive approach that has disproportionately affected delivery workers.
Alongside the enforcement change, Mamdani announced a citywide safety training program for bicycle and e-bike delivery workers, set to launch in April. The program will be available online in six languages and will cover safe riding practices, traffic laws and workers’ rights.
The administration will also work with the City Council to introduce legislation targeting delivery app companies. The proposed measures would require companies to share trip-level data with the Department of Transportation, establish safe delivery time standards and allow the city to mandate additional training for workers who repeatedly engage in unsafe riding behavior.
“In partnership with the City Council, we’ll strengthen safety standards, hold app companies accountable and expand training for delivery riders,” Mamdani said. “This balanced approach supports riders while protecting pedestrians and motorists.”
The initiative includes planned safety upgrades to Citi Bike in coordination with Lyft, along with an expanded public education campaign on safe cycling.
The administration said the broader policy package is intended to address systemic factors contributing to unsafe riding, including delivery timelines set by app-based companies, while ensuring consistent enforcement across road users.
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