The NYPD is putting the brakes on cyclists who, not wanting to spoil their “fun,” recklessly blow through red lights in Central Park.
Cops have blitzed riders with 230 tickets already this year for ignoring traffic signals and other violations as they tear around their six-mile loop.
A bike is “a vehicle and the traffic law applies,” said Capt. Philip Wishnia, commanding officer of the Central Park Precinct.
“There is a reason the law was put in place. One injury to pedestrians is one injury too many.”
The cyclists — many who whom tool around in sporty bikes that sell for up to $10,000 — see things differently.
“There would be no point of riding in the park if I stopped at every red light. What’s the fun in that?” griped Tom Laskey, 52, former president of the NY Cycle Club, who got a $270 ticket for running a red light.
“Enforcing red lights [at crosswalks] is meaningless. Pedestrians cross wherever they want.”
Michael Bar, 39, who was stopped for riding his $6,000 Merlin bike outside the designated lane, bellyached, “If you stop at 47 red lights, you wouldn’t get exercise.”