NYC Council pushes slate of measures to address dangerous e-bikes

The New York City Council is pushing nearly a dozen legislative measures to combat dangerous e-bikes across the Big Apple — as lawmakers demand an overhaul of enforcement and oversight to boost pedestrian safety.The council on Tuesday announced it will hold an oversight hearing next month and will conduct a “comprehensive review” on how to address the scourge of e-bikes in the city.“We already have laws on the books, yet they are not being adequately enforced — and we must also examine what additional legislative solutions are needed to keep New Yorkers safe,” said Speaker Julie Menin.“The City Council will bring together pedestrians, cyclists, deliveristas, transportation experts, advocates, and enforcement agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of every available option to make our streets safer.”Tuesday’s renewed push is part of the council’s package of bills that have been introduced this year to start chipping away at dangerous e-bike riders.One of the proposed laws, sponsored by Council Member Lynn Schulman (D-Queens) would require third-party delivery apps to register with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, giving the city more oversight and enforcement tools when it comes to out-of-control delivery drivers.Another bill, put forward by Council Member Gale Brewer (D-Manhattan), would require the apps to collect detailed info on their drivers and track them around the city.Lawmakers are expected to introduce a number of more bills in the coming weeks to tackle slow e-bikes with infrastructure changes, insurance requirements and enforcement.

“Every New Yorker deserves to cross the street without fear, every rider deserves to know the device they purchase is safe to use, and every delivery worker deserves to make a living without being pushed to ride dangerously,” said Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.“This legislative package will draw clear lines, helping ensu...