Driver’s License Exam and Classes to Include Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

By Hamodia Staff

New York State mandatory driver’s education classes and exams will have to include sections on pedestrian and cyclist safety awareness, and an overview of relevant traffic laws, under a new law signed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul this week. Those changes will be reflected in the state manual issues to prospective drivers to prepare for their exams.

“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,” Governor 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.”

State Senator Andrew Gounardes introduced the bill. “Ensuring drivers know how to safely share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists is crucial to keeping our streets as safe as possible,” he said. “I’m thrilled that my bill to mandate drivers’ education on safe road-sharing has been signed by the Governor, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to end traffic violence once and for all.”

Bike New York President and CEO Ken Podziba said, “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.”

The law follows June’s decision to make speed cameras in New York City run 24/7, and the establishment of a school bus motorist education fund last October.