NYPD removing bicycles at Bedford Ave Station

www.untitledname.com/archives/2005/10/nypd_bicycle_th.html
Around 7 pm on October 5, 2005 the NYPD removed bicycles locked to the entrance of the Bedford Avenue L station in Williamsburg. Locks were cut, bicycles were tagged and driven away in vans without prior warning. Although signs indicate property attached to these MTA railings will be removed, there was no such warning for bicycles removed from nearby signposts.

EDIT: In fact, there is no city or state law that prohibits or affirms the right to lock bicycles to public street fixtures. According to New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, Article 24, Section 1115, a locked bicycle cannot alter or interfere with the operation of traffic signals, signs, signposts, lampposts, or any other public street fixtures. Because of potential harm, locking to a tree is illegal.

EDIT: To stop the City from seizing lawfully parked bikes and to affirm New Yorkers' right to park their bikes on public street fixtures City Councilmember Margarita Lopez introduced City Council bill 685, which, if passed, would protect cyclists' right to lock their bikes up.

EDIT: The bill needs more support and is awaiting a hearing in the City Council transportation committee. Write to your City Councilmember and ask them to support Intro 685 and logical outdoor bicycle parking rules.

This situation underscores the need for more outdoor bicycle parking, one of the many important issues Transportation Alternatives is working on. If you walk or bicycle in New York City, you should really consider becoming a member.

EDIT: Multiple calls and messages left at the 94th Precinct, which includes Bedford Avenue L, for further information were unreturned.