NYC’s transportation policy is to encourage bicycle commuting, and the city has invested millions to help cyclists cross the East River and negotiate a few city avenues more safety. Try telling that to NYPD Assistant Chief Bruce Smolka, who according to a Newsday opinion piece by cycling advocate Charles Komanoff, has testified in court that "The roadways are designed primarily for motor vehicles." In the city’s court action to suppress the monthly "Critical Mass" bike-in, Smolka has said that while any number of cars may legally occupy a street, if an equal number of bicycles show up, they need a permit (from him). Seems it would be helpful for some of the NYC DOT’s bike-promoting brass to read the Vehicle and Traffic Law to the NYPD’s crowd-control boss (at least one judge already has), but we aren’t holding our breath. www.times-up.org/cm.php  

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