Testimony for Sept 30,2026 Jack Brown

This testimony provides backgroun for the public safety crisis. Advocates for full accountability. In particular Priscilla's Law. ***** My name is Jack Brown. Veteran of the bike industry. Part of the Hi-Ho Cyclery 165 Ave A from 1982-1986. Spokesman for The Coalition Against Rogue Riding from 2009 to present. See blog by that name. The past quarter century has NOT been New York City’s finest 2 and a half decades for public safety and quality of life. In brief the cycling advocates have wielded undue influence and the administration’s succumbing to arm twisting have exhibited an abject dereliction of civic responsibility. The public-pedestrians, cyclists and micro mobility users and motorists alike have paid a grievous and NEEDLESS PRICE. It seems push has finally come to shove. The ongoing environment of jeopardy and the resulting carnage has finally overcome the blandishments of financial contribution and sophistry. Let us NOT WASTE this opportunity. Back in 2010 I contacted author Prof. John Pucher. He of Rutgers and the University of NC. A recognized expert on transportation and an advocate for cycling both for exercise and a viable mode of commuter transportation. When I told him that Transportation Alternatives opposed-successfully- enforcement by the NYPD against rogue 2 wheeled riding-much to the dismay of pedestrians and fellow cyclists as well as motorists Pucher responded “I told them NOT to do that.” In Europe from where the aptly named Vision Zero was adapted enforcement is the backbone of a responsible bike culture. Cyclists become self enforcers appreciating the privilege and pleasure of riding for health and convenience. In New York City two birds were killed with one stone. The lack of enforcement generated the environment of chaos and danger with which we are only too familiar and it undermined the NYPD. Further there was never an environmental impact study to deliberately plan the best way of accommodating the cycling culture. Free rein was given to the DOT. Then Mayor Bloomberg was said to tell DOT Sadik Khan “Do whatever you want. Just don’t screw up.” Zealotry-in the words of then Brooklyn BP Markowitz-ensued and has been perpetuated by subsequent administrations. The pandemic and the dining sheds compounded the harm done to public safety In short it has been more than a quarter century of HUBRIS and AVARICE. Public safety and quality of life have paid the price. That said Sept 30, 2026 has arrived. A neighbor son of Ukrainian immigrants said of the lack of enforcement particularly against the delivery agents of the delivery apps-”We were all immigrants and learned to adapt to the new laws and customs.” Not in The Big Apple. Among all the 17 bills being considered there isn’t one that allows law enforcement to identity the law breaker. A rider/agent must be made to bear part of the blame for law breaking and danger. A sanctuary city must be a safe place for all. Priscilla’s Law addresses that lack. The lack of enforcement has fomented an environment that requires rational and strong action. There must be a method of holding perps accountable. Best-