NYCDOT - Bicycle Education and Safety

New York City Department of Transportation

HomeAbout DOT - Who We Are - DOT�s Strategic Plan - Press Releases - Public Meetings and Events - Employment Opportunities - Customer Service Center - Current Projects - DOT Library - Citywide Performance Reporting - Website Visitors Survey - Language Access PlanPedestrians & SidewalksMotorists - Traffic Advisories - Parking - Highway and Traffic Rules - Real Time Traffic CamerasBicyclists - Bike Network & Stats - Bike Safety/Education - Bike Parking - Bike MapsBridgesFerries & Buses - Ferries - BusesSigns, Signals & Streetlights - Street Light Complaints - Traffic Signal ComplaintsSafety Programs - Safety Engineering - Safe Routes - Safety Education - Safety City - Safety TipsPermits/Franchises - Disability Parking - Street and Sidewalk Construction Permits - Commercial Vehicle Permits - Franchises/Revocable Consents - Banner PermitsFAQsSitemapContact DOT


	Bicyclists Bicycle Education and Safety

	Report on Bicyclist Fatalities and Serious Injuries in New York City, 1996-2005 Bike Helmets Commercial Cyclist Safety Poster The LOOK Safety Campaign Bikes on Transit Bicycle Safety Tips Report on Bicyclist Fatalities and Serious Injuries in New York City, 1996-2005 The Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, and Police issued a joint report (pdf) on bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries in New York City between 1996 and 2005. The report identifies specific safety challenges for bicycling in New York City, offers recommendations for motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists, health care providers, and others, and outlines action steps the City will take to increase bicycling and improve safety. Bike Helmets While supplies last, the official New York City bicycle helmet will be fitted and distributed free of charge at DOT Safety City locations. Call 311 to schedule a fitting. In order to receive a helmet you must: be present to get a helmet; learn how to properly fit and wear a helmet before you receive it; have a parent or legal guardian present to sign a waiver for children under age 18; for adults over age 18 receiving a helmet you must sign a waiver. Employers must provide their bicycle delivery workers with helmets that meet City safety standards. Delivery bicycles must be equipped with safety devices. Delivery workers must wear helmets when cycling on the job. Commercial Cyclists Safety Poster Effective July 26, 2007, a poster (pdf) describing bicycle safety procedures must be placed at commercial business locations that make deliveries by bicycle. The poster is also available in Chinese, Russian, Korean and Spanish. The poster must be at least 11 by 17 inches in size and contain the information included in the model sign. The font must be minimum 21 point (or .3 inches). More information is available in the Bicycle Safety Tips section. The LOOK Safety Campaign The DOT together with the NYC Bicycle Safety Coalition created the LOOK bicycle safety campaign (www.looknyc.org). This unprecedented partnership drew together City agencies, cycling advocates and the AAA along with the international advertising agency Publicis in Seattle, who provided their services pro bono to create an edgy and effective new marketing campaign encouraging motorist and cyclists to literally look out for each other. Bikes on Transit Visit the MTA’s website for comprehensive information about bringing bikes on MTA buses and trains. Subway Avoid rush hour trains. Conflicts can occur between passengers and cyclists due to limited space or crowded trains. Board at the least crowded part of the train, which usually is the front or the back. Never put your bike where it could block an aisle or a door. Stand by your bike. Move your bike to allow others to pass or sit down. If there is a train or station evacuation, you must leave your bike behind to ensure a swift and safe exit for all passengers. Carry your bike on stairs. Wait until the staircase is not crowded. Don't bump the bike down the stairs; you may lose control. Use the service gate. Do not try to lift your bike over the turnstile. Signal the token clerk to release the gate. Use a MetroCard and roll the turnstile. Pull the service gate to enter. Ferries Bikes are allowed on the Staten Island Ferry at no charge. (311) Bikes are allowed on NY Waterway ferries with a $1 extra fee. (800-53-FERRY) Bikes are allowed on Seastreak ferries (800-BOAT-RIDE) with a $3 extra fee. Bikes are allowed on Liberty Landing (201-985-4000) boats at no charge. Bikes are allowed on NY Water Taxi at no charge. (212-742-1969) Staten Island Ferry Rules of Conduct for Bicyclists 1. Bicyclists are subject to all Passenger Rules of Conduct. 2. Bicyclists must board on the lower level at both the St. George and Whitehall Ferry Terminals. 3. Bicyclists must dismount and walk their bicycles to the waiting area and onto the boat. 4. All bicycles must be stored in the designated bicycle storage area on each of the vessels. 5. All bicyclists are subject to screening upon arrival at the ferry terminals. See more tips on bicycle safety and safety regulations Return to main Bicyclists page