Senate Bill S10723

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S10723

SPONSOR: BOTTCHER
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to enacting the
"Bicycle Traffic Safety Education Alternative act"

 
PURPOSE:

To improve bicycle and pedestrian safety, promote compliance with traf-
fic laws, and reduce repeat violations by allowing individuals cited for
certain bicycle and e-bike traffic violations to complete a safety
education video program in lieu of paying a monetary fine.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 provides the short title, the "Bicycle Traffic Safety Educa-
tion Alternative Act"

Section 2 amends the vehicle and traffic law by adding a new section
1244, establishing a bicycle traffic safety education alternative for
              

individuals cited for noncriminal traffic infractions while operating a
bicycle or bicycle with electric assist. These cyclists may elect to
view a bicycle traffic safety education video instead of paying a fine.
Upon verified completion, the violation shall be dismissed and no fine
shall be imposed. This alternative would not be available for violations
involving physical injury or reckless conduct. This alternative could
not be utilized more than once in any twelve-month period.

Section 3 sets the effective date at 180 days after enactment.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

As bicycle and e-bike use continues to grow across New York State,
ensuring the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists has never
been more critical. Unsafe cycling behaviors such as running red lights,
failing to yield to pedestrians, and riding on sidewalks where prohibit-
ed can create serious safety risks, particularly in densely populated
urban areas.

While monetary fines serve an enforcement purpose, they do not necessar-
ily inform individuals about the importance of abiding by our traffic
laws. For many people, a meaningful educational intervention may prove
to be a more effective deterrent against future violations than a fine
alone.

Research on traffic safety education programs suggests that educational
alternatives can reduce repeat violations. An evaluation of New York
City's Driver Accountability Program found that motorists offered an
educational alternative were less likely to reoffend than those who
received conventional penalties. Although these findings concern motor-
ists rather than cyclists, they provide a basis for exploring similar
approaches to bicycle traffic enforcement.

Educational interventions can also help individuals better understand
the consequences of unsafe cycling for pedestrians, particularly older
adults, children, and people with disabilities. By incorporating real-
world examples and the experiences of pedestrians affected by dangerous
cycling behavior, such educational programs can encourage greater aware-
ness, empathy, and personal responsibility.

Similar approaches have already been implemented in other jurisdictions.
In London, police have offered cyclists who commit certain traffic
violations the opportunity to view a road safety education video instead
of paying a fine. In Austin, Texas, a bicycle ticket-dismissal program
established in 2010 has provided thousands of participants with traffic
safety education as an alternative to traditional penalties. According
to post-course surveys conducted by the Center for Cycling Education,
88% of participants reported that the training influenced them to ride
in accordance with traffic laws, while 93% reported feeling more confi-
dent cycling in traffic. These findings suggest that educational alter-
natives can improve awareness of traffic laws and encourage safer cycl-
ing behavior.

This legislation recognizes that the purpose of traffic enforcement is
not simply to impose financial penalties, but to prevent dangerous
behavior and improve public safety. By providing an educational alterna-
tive while preserving monetary penalties for repeat and serious
violations, New York can encourage compliance with traffic laws, reduce
repeat offenses, and foster greater responsibility among all street
users.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

TBD

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the commissioner of
motor vehicles is authorized to promulgate any rule or regulation neces-
sary for the implementation of this act on or before such effective
date.