If you don’t smoke and you find yourself walking behind someone who does, it can be unpleasant. Now a New York City Councilman wants to do something about it.
“My bill is very simple, no smoking and walking on New York City Sidewalks,” said Queens Councilman Peter Koo (Dist. 20).
His bill would make it a misdemeanor to walk while smoking, likely punishable by a fine of $50.
Smokers, already banned from lighting up in public parks among many other places in the city, weren’t thrilled at the idea.
“I’m not standing in one spot, it’s not gonna happen,” said Ian, a smoker in Flushing. “As I’m walking, it’s outside, I’m not blowing it in anyone’s faces.”
Other smokers questioned how such a law would be enforced and said it would divert much-needed police resources.
Smoking while standing in one spot would still be allowed. While some questioned whether a ban on walking and smoking would infringe on civil liberties, Koo said he’s not concerned.
“This bill is not against smoking just don’t do both together,” Koo said.
He plans to introduce the bill this week.
(AP)
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3 Responses
I think these politicians need to take a IQ test before running for public office. Personally I despise smoking, but to ban it while walking is going well overboard. Ban first distracted walkers who talk and try to cross the streets oblivious to the traffic around them.
Distracted driving has been the subject of legislation. Now distracted walking. Some politicians have way too much time on their hands.
If they are bent on creating new laws, some restrictions on cell phones might actually be more needed and beneficial. It is common to see people talking away while walking, oblivious to other pedestrians, oblivious to traffic, and the world needs to be on the lookout to avoid them. The story is far more serious, almost gruesome, when these are young women or girls (could be men, too, but I never saw it) wheeling a baby stroller or walking with little children. It frightens me how dangerous they can be. And “Ooops” doesn’t help much after a tragedy.
One council member does not mean the city is actually considering it.
It hasn’t even been introduced yet and has no known cosponsors.
The title is somewhat misleading.