Albany – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today is announcing that legislation he sponsored, S. 1452, has been approved by the New York State Senate that will add bicycle and pedestrian safety to the driver’s education course taught throughout the Empire State. 

The legislation seeks to build upon the lessons taught pertaining to driver safety by requiring topics on bicycle and pedestrian safety be a part of the pre-licensing course. Current required lessons cover various subjects such as road rage, driving while impaired and exercising due care to avoid collisions.

Senator Marty Golden stated, “Today, the New York State Senate has sent a strong message that we need to do a better job at protecting the bike riders and those walking on our streets.  By teaching about pedestrian and cyclist safety, and how better to share the road, we will save lives and prevent injuries. The safety of pedestrians and bicyclists is key to safe streets for all New Yorkers and I urge my colleagues in the Assembly to approve this bill this session.”

According to the New York City Department of Transportation, in Brooklyn alone in 2014, 3,559 pedestrian injuries and 48 pedestrian fatalities were recorded, as well 1,511 bicyclist injuries and 6 fatalities. 

The bill has been sent to the Assembly. Assemblyman Walter Mosley (D-Brooklyn) is the sponsor.