This controversy is heating up.
A new federal lawsuit claims that the NYPD is wrongly ticketing cyclists for running red lights, even though current laws permit them to follow pedestrian crossing signals. The situation appears to be getting worse, with an increase in tickets being issued to riders, as argued in a lawsuit filed by cyclist Oliver Casey Esparza on May 7.
According to the lawsuit, NYPD officers are inconsistently enforcing the law, adding to confusion for cyclists. “Despite a clear law, the city continues to have policies that detain and ticket cyclists legally crossing at intersections,” the filing states.
Esparza and his legal team are seeking damages for “hundreds” of cyclists who have faced wrongful tickets or arrests due to ongoing enforcement issues, alongside a push for better training for NYPD officers on relevant laws.
The lawsuit highlights that cyclists should follow pedestrian “walk” signals unless there is a specific bicycle signal present.
Esparza’s troubles began when he received a ticket last October while crossing Third Avenue at East 42nd Street during a “walk” signal. An NYPD officer, Kenny F. Vega, issued a $190 ticket, insisting that Esparza was mistaken about the law, even though it was based on an incorrect interpretation of the NYC traffic code.
The suit also names NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tish and her predecessors, suggesting they have systematically violated the civil rights of New Yorkers. “The policies in place are so prevalent that they must have been known to policymakers,” the lawsuit claims.
While Esparza’s ticket was dismissed in court last month, the case has prompted the cyclists to take further action against the NYPD’s ongoing ticketing practices.
Alarming statistics included in the lawsuit show a significant rise in tickets issued to cyclists in early 2025 compared to the previous four years.
The NYPD did not provide a comment on the situation.
Activists are also worried that enforcement might disproportionately affect immigrant delivery workers, particularly as a new policy allows for criminal summons rather than standard traffic tickets.
In 2024, a staggering 92% of summonses for reckless cycling came from New Yorkers of color. Activists criticized the NYPD’s approach as a troubling escalation that lacks a basis in genuine safety concerns.
