Police See Familiar Cyclist-Motorist Feud

It's almost an unofficial custom in Piermont.

When the warm months roll in, so do gaggles of cyclists from Rockland, Westchester and New York City. And close behind? A legion of miffed motorists.

"We always have a high volume of cyclist complaints [from motorists] in the summer," said Michael O'Shea, Piermont's chief of police. "Bicycles are subject to vehicle and traffic laws, as well."

Last week, received three cycling-related complaints. The week before, about six. "The complaints are more common on the weekend," O'Shea added.

O'Shea said the department has a bicycle patrol officer who enforces the village's road rules—like keeping bikers in single file along River Road and other popular paths.

Still, acting proactively is one of the department's best tools, O'Shea noted.

"We have a three-tiered approach—education, prevention and enforcement," he said. "We'll go to bicycle clubs and talk about the rules of the road."

In the coming days, officers will deploy an electronic message board encouraging motorist and cyclists to share the road. South Nyack has a similar message board near .

In June, a cyclist in Grand View was . Since, her family has petitioned for in the region.

When Piermont Police nab a cyclist breaking the rules, they issue a uniform traffic ticket. Fines vary, but can climb as high as $250.

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Read Patch's dispatch on the subject from last summer .