Bill > S02530

This bill amends the vehicle and traffic law to explicitly prohibit operating a bicycle or electric-assist bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, applying to public highways, private roads open to motor vehicle traffic, parking lots, and sidewalks. The legislation establishes specific legal standards for determining impairment, including blood alcohol content (BAC) thresholds, and creates a graduated penalty system for violations. Under the bill, operating a bicycle while impaired can result in fines ranging from $300 to $1,000, potential imprisonment up to one year, and escalating penalties for repeat offenses within a ten-year period. The law allows police officers to request chemical tests (breath, blood, urine, or saliva) from bicycle operators involved in accidents, with specific provisions for who can conduct these tests and under what circumstances. Notably, the bill specifies that enforcement can only occur in conjunction with a crash involving a bicycle, defined as a collision with a vehicle, person, building, or other object. The provisions aim to create legal accountability for bicycle operators who pose potential safety risks by operating their vehicles while impaired, mirroring similar regulations that already exist for motor vehicle operators.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2530