Legislation Requires Pedestrian Safety Training For New Drivers: Gov

LONG ISLAND, NY — Just days after two bicyclists were killed on East End roads, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Friday that will require new drivers to learn about bicyclist and pedestrian safety as part of the pre-licensing exam and as a prerequisite for obtaining a license to drive.

Dr. Russell Windsor died on July 3 while out bicycling in Amagansett; just days later, on July 7, an 11-year-old boy died in Sagaponack after he was struck by a pickup truck while riding his bicycle.

"My top priority as governor is to keep New Yorkers safe, and it is common sense to make pedestrian and bike safety education mandatory for drivers," Hochul said. "This law will help prevent crashes and save lives, and I thank my partners in the Assembly and Senate for passing this legislation to make our streets safer."

The legislation adds curriculum to the pre-licensing course that includes an overview of traffic laws governing drivers' duty to exercise care with respect to pedestrians and bicyclists, Hochul said.

The legislation also requires that a section on pedestrian and bicyclist safety be added to the Department of Motor Vehicles' instruction handbook.

Bike New York President and CEO Ken Podziba weighed in: "We're thrilled that Governor Hochul is requiring that bicycle and pedestrian safety be added to the DMV curriculum. Bike New York has been fighting for this simple solution to happen for many years because pedestrians and bicyclists are the most vulnerable road users and education helps save lives. We're all deeply concerned about the unaccepted increase in cyclists and pedestrians being killed by motor vehicles and we can't thank the governor enough for her leadership in this critical battle against traffic violence."