Suffolk Passes First NY Law Fining Drivers Who Endanger Cyclists

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY— Suffolk County is a dangerous place for road cyclists. It's ranked among the highest counties in the state in numbers cyclists hit by drivers, and a new law is meant to reduce these incidents. The law fines any drivers who violate three feet of buffer space around cyclists.

Known as "three-feet laws," similar measures exist in 33 states, and Suffolk's new law is the first in New York. Fines for violating the buffer zone start at $225 and can reach up to $425 for repeat offenses.

Two upstate legislators are pushing for a state-wide version of the law.

Vincent Alongi is an avid cyclist who lives in Islip. He told Patch that he believes the law helps address what he sees as a certain percentage of Long Island cyclists who will always continue to prefer riding on the road, rather than solely the increasing number of bike paths and lanes.

"The laws are always going to be a positive acknowledgement in terms of the need for cyclist safety. Collectively, we do need a wider awareness of the laws and why they exist," Alongi told Patch.

"What we need from the state and local authorities is more education on the new fines, so it can help bring the law itself into awareness. This is especially prevalent since we're heading into spring and summer months: peak riding seasons for cyclists."

County Executive Bellone signed the law Tuesday in Stony Brook. The law is effective immediately.

Steve Loochiani, of Shirley, is another Suffolk County cyclist who believes an even wider education of drivers is needed to make Long Island cycling safer.

"Sadly, I think it will be ignored. Outside of a major education campaign regarding cyclists' rights on the road, there’s little chance things will get any safer," he worried.

Jordan Strump, a Lindenhurst resident who often joins group rides hosted by the Suffolk Bicycle Riders Association, is grateful the law was passed and hopes motorists become aware of it but he is concerned about whether or not it will be enforced.

What do you think about this new law? Do you cycle on Suffolk roads? Do you feel safer with this new measure? Are you a driver who doesn't feel comfortable sharing the road with cyclists? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.