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NYC About To Declare War On Dangerous Restaurant Delivery Bicycle Riders

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Imagine a New York City where restaurant delivery workers on bicycles stay off sidewalks and ride safely in the right direction. The City Council has a bold new plan to try to make that happen.

They have food on the move, bike riders in such a hurry to deliver it they zigzag and sometimes crash.

"They're like maniacs they cut you off," West Side resident Angel Rivera said.

"You have to get out of their way," a woman named "Mary" told CBS 2's Dave Carlin on Wednesday.

1010 WINS' John Montone reports

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Carlin witnessed bad bike behavior and laws broken, including delivery guys going the wrong way on one-way streets. Other violations include no reflectors or lighting at night, no bell and no or inadequate brakes.

"These bicyclists have to wear helmets. They have to wear reflective vests. They have to have bells on their bikes, lights on the bikes. Most importantly, they must obey the rules of the road," City Councilman James Vacca said.

Vacca, who heads the Transportation Committee, is introducing tough new rules, more enforcement officers and more severe penalties for those on bikes and also owners of the restaurants.

"There will be fines involved," Vacca said.

Anthony Manatakis of Uncle Nick's said he and other owners should not be punished because many of them are teaching delivery workers to obey the laws. Some have even posted signs to let the public know solutions are being rolled out -- before more people get rolled over.

"We don't need anymore enforcement. We need education," Manatakis said.

Right now, fines start at $100 and only apply to the cyclists. The new rules and fines will be worked out ahead of public City Council hearings set to start next month.

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