NYC Council Repeals Jaywalking Ban; 77% of Tickets Targeted Black and Hispanic Pedestrians

Sep 27, 2024, 12:28 PM

The New York City Council has repealed the city's law banning jaywalking, a practice that has been disproportionately enforced against Black and Hispanic pedestrians. The legislation, sponsored by Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, aims to address racial disparities in the enforcement of jaywalking laws. City data shows the NYPD issued 786 pedestrian-related summonses in the first six months of the year, with 77% of them going to Black or Hispanic individuals. Police statistics also indicated that 96% of all jaywalking tickets were given to Black and Hispanic pedestrians. The move to legalize jaywalking is seen as a step towards more equitable treatment of all New Yorkers.