This is part of the Broken Windows approach to policing.
The second link is allegedly an interview with a NYPD officer.
Better walking, biking, and transit for the five boroughs
— Read on nyc.streetsblog.org/2019/04/24/cops-who-confiscated-bikes-dont-even-know-the-law-they-cited/
The NYPD officer interview can be accessed HERE