I got a summons to a criminal court for riding on a sidewalk. What may be my defense? What are the consequences if I plead guilty or not guilty? What may be a penalty? A cop did not ask me to sign the summons - does this matter?
Thanks.
Summons for riding on sidewalk
Tue, 06/07/2005 - 9:44am
Tue, 06/07/2005 - 10:34am
#1
Good. Bikes don't belong on the sidewalk.
Pay it with a smile.
- Christian
Tue, 06/07/2005 - 11:25am
#2
Paying is not a problem. But I don't want a criminal record. BTW, will it affect a car insurance?
Tue, 06/07/2005 - 10:42am
#3
Criminal court???
I wonder what happen if I drive my car onto the sidewalk...
Wed, 06/08/2005 - 9:59am
#4
You might run over a cyclist
You might run over a cyclist that is riding illegally on the sidewalk.
Tue, 06/07/2005 - 12:29pm
#5
Where?
Where did this happen? Is the law clear that bicycles are prohibited on this sidewalk in this municipality? (I ask because even in NYC, there are pleces where cyclists are instructed to use sidewalks. In some other cities, cyclists are expected to use sidewalks as well. If you're going to Criminal Court, you might want a lawyer.
Tue, 06/07/2005 - 1:16pm
#6
Brooklyn
It happened in Brooklyn.
Tue, 06/07/2005 - 1:19pm
#7
Riding on the sidewalk
is not permitted in NYC. You might get a point or 2 on your driving license.
Wed, 06/08/2005 - 2:47pm
#8
What if you have no driver's licence?
Thu, 06/09/2005 - 7:24pm
#9
I thought that as long as you ride as slow as people walking, or slower, there is no law in NYC that states that you are doing anything illegal. Am I mistaken???
I saw it somewhere on cycling boards year ago, or so... Don't remember specifics though...
Does anyone have a link to a city ordinance that clearly prohibits any riding whatsoever on sidewalks... TIA, Rich
Thu, 06/09/2005 - 9:46pm
#10
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/pdf/trafrule.pdf
NYC Traffic Rules 4-07 c3i
No person shall ride or operate bicycle upon and sidewalk area unless permitted by sign. This prohibition shall not apply to the operation of bicycles with wheels less than 26 inces in diameter upon the sidewalk by children of 12 yrs or less in age.
(page 23)
Fri, 06/10/2005 - 7:08pm
#11
Thanks. Rich
Fri, 06/10/2005 - 8:03pm
#12
Criminal Court not Civil Court
You are not civil, you are criminal. Just terminology for the type of offense. You did not break a contract, you broke a law.
Tue, 06/07/2005 - 10:46am
#13
ticket
If you had hit and run a pedestrian, no fine or jailtime. Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk however....
Tue, 06/07/2005 - 11:48am
#14
They'll nail you for hit-and-run
But you can kill as many pedestrians and cyclists as you want without getting a ticket, as long as you stick around.
Best Defense: I never saw him.
Second Best defense: I thought the accelerator pedal was the brake. (especially useful after plowing through a crowd with multiple fatalities.)
Tue, 06/07/2005 - 12:09pm
#15
Sidewalk
"You have to be crazy to ride on the sidewalk. Plead ""insanity"""
Tue, 06/07/2005 - 12:26pm
#16
no, you won't have a criminal record.
it's considered only a violation and not a crime. you will pay a fine and it'll be over with. very similar to paying a parking ticket when your meter expires. don't ride on the sidewalk, it's dangerous.
