NYS Senator Eric Adams Holds a Press Conference At The Scene of Bicyclist's Death to Announce Legislation to Change Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) to Mandate Bicycle Safety Awareness Training for All NYS Motorists

NYS Senator Eric Adams mourns the traffic death of a 23-year-old bicyclist and announces his introduction of a bill to modify VTL Section 502 to mandate inclusion of bicycle safety awareness training during the coursework required of every NYS motorist

 NYS Senator Eric Adams states: “A 23-year-old bicyclist was killed when a motorist open a car door into traffic, knocking the rider into the path of a city bus. This is a tragic occurrence, and I extend my deepest sympathies to the family.

 “VTL Section 502 mandates that prospective drivers take a 5-hour pre-licensing course, and various subjects are covered during the session. However, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of bicycles on the road; some estimates put the number of riders at more than 200,000 daily. It is imperative that the regulations governing the licensing of NYS drivers reflect this fact.

 “I will introduce legislation to modify VTL to require that bicycle safety awareness be a specific element in the training course required of all NYS drivers.”