Catch up with the jerk

New York City officials are sending a message to cyclists who wilfully disregard traffic laws and increase the risk of personal injury to pedestrians and to other cyclists.

"Don't be a jerk," reads the ad slogan that will be featured on public-service campaigns for radio, television, emails, and billboards. The campaign's purpose is to combat problems New York City is facing by having many more cyclists on the streets.

Yes, more and more cyclists are being involved in crashes with drivers and common sense tells you it must be the cyclists' fault.

There were 19 cyclist fatalities in the city through the end of October, seven more than in all of 2009. In the same period, 3,505 bikers were injured in crashes with autos and other motor vehicles, more than last year's total and up 20% compared to the first 10 months of last year.