Fourth of July in New York City

Visiting NYC (and bringing international visitors there) for 20+ years I was NEVER aware of NYC only (a nationwide exception): “No turn on red”. Picking up visitors from the Empire Building 2 weeks ago, I made a COMPLETE stop on red at 36th and 5th Ave, lookong lef, no Sunday PM traffic down the 5th Ave. … tirning right onto the 5th Ave. … Police siren, flashlights: $200 ticket! Officer lied into my face: “There are signs posted on NY state borders.” I never saw any anywhere. In 1974, under Prez Ford and under federal push all states adopted “Right turn on red/turn left info one way” as GAS saving measure in response to OPEC embargo. NY state allowed “any city over 1 mil population” to make an exception. Only NYC fits the bill and they did, in essence the only place in the US where a blank “No red light turn” applies. I wrote Mayor Bloomberg that he should look – before he leaves next year – that SIGNS are posted to that sense otherwise it is a trap on visitors. While studies show that in congested, havy pedestrian traffic places risk of pedestrian injury increase with “right turn on red” in place and while I understand that city etc needs to cover itself in case of injuries, lawsuits etc by having Manhattan traffic (pedestrian + cars) regulated with “No turn on red”, they should post it. Assuming that visitor willn get and study Drivers Manual to seek “gotcha” nationwide exception to the rules. I and my family will look into curtailing any and all spending in New York to compensate for $200 confiscation-without-warning. Thinking of it: NYC might loose on us several times $200 a year as increasingly dirty, rundown, etc. streets with changing populations are loosing their appeals and %th and Park Avenue shopping and gallery visits have their alternatives. And that ocassional visit to the Met Museum with kids: its a voluntary contribution anyway. One thing is for sure: My enhusiasm to reffer NYC to international visitors will remain chilled for a long time.

You didn’t know before, now you know. Suck it up… :-p

nyc4life shows the screw u attitude all too common in nyc. I bet he throws his empty cups on the street too. This city has a lot to offer but the trash on the steets and the constant hustle causes us to avoid it. Try Boston. It’s the big city that works.

They are yellow, have four wheels and International “Guests” find them a Treat…
Stop complaining, and next time dont be such a cheapskate…take a CAB, like everyone else.
I bet your International Guests will come anyway, so you can stay home and contribute to less congestion in Our City…and one less grouch.. We will miss you.. lol