Is it true? Is jaywalking, NYC’s most common offense, on its way to becoming legal?
We’re all guilty of the crime, which is punishable with a fine of up to $250, should a cop catch you in the act. But will the city have a new outlook on crossing the street sans crosswalk?
The scoop on NYC jaywalking
On Thursday, September 26th, the New York City Council passed a bill that revokes cops’ ability to ticket jaywalkers, which could definitely change the dynamic of one of the most walkable cities in the U.S.
“We’ve supported legalizing jaywalking for years, and it’s past time for the city to take this outdated policy off the books. Criminalizing jaywalking makes no one safer,” Elizabeth Adams, Transportation Alternatives interim co-executive director, said in a statement.
According to data from the city, the vast majority of those ticketed for jaywalking are people of color, and bringing this bill to the forefront is an attempt to combat the disparity.
At this point in time, the city will have to wait for Mayor Eric Adams to sign off on the bill, making it a law. However, the same day that the bill was passed, the mayor’s indictment was unsealed. He faces five federal charges of bribery conspiracy, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations.
Although Adams vowed to allow his attorneys to handle the situation so he can continue his day-to-day work, it remains to be seen how the city’s inner workings will be affected going forward.
“I ask New Yorkers to hear our defense before making any judgments,” he said during a September 26th press conference. He appeared in court on Friday, September 27th, where he pleaded not guilty.
As soon as more information becomes available about the bill, as well as the mayor’s case, we’ll be sure to fill you in.