Abigail Jackson of Regional Plan Association testifies on e-bike definitions
Abigail Jackson says accurate definitions are key, many devices involved in fatalities are e-motos not e-bikes, and calls for promoting cycling while eliminating high-speed devices.
Hello, my name is Abigail Jackson and I'm the Transportation Associate at Regional Plan Association, RPA.
We're a nonprofit research and advocacy organization that for more than a century has worked to shape the region's transportation future.
We thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on today's agenda.
One of the most important things we can do to accomplish our shared goals for street safety is to be consistent with the accurate definition of an e-bike.
In New York, an e-bike or bicycle with electric assist has a motor of less than 750 watts, working pedals, and cannot exceed a max speed of 25 miles per hour.
Many of the electric devices recently involved in traffic fatalities do not fit this definition and are more accurately described as e-motos or high-speed electric scooters, yet they are often confused with e-bikes or e-scooters.
Conflating those currently illegal devices with e-bikes or e-scooters leads us to address perceived rather than actual street safety.
And while the greatest threat to cyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists, as many have said today, remains cars and trucks, faster, heavier devices like e-motos are presenting an increasing danger on our streets.
We have provided detailed written testimony covering each bill, but there are overarching goals that we would like the Council to consider.
We should promote cycling, including low-speed e-bikes, for people and goods movement.
We should eliminate e-motos or high-speed scooters from our streets and bike lanes.
We should regulate third-party delivery services that may encourage unsafe behavior and should not regulate their riders.
Licensing or registering e-bikes is ineffective at promoting safety and reducing the use of e-motos.
Rules and targets should avoid...
equitable outcomes and have clear attainable goals.
And perhaps most importantly, we need to improve our street network and street design to support safe micromobility and take the onus for street safety off pedestrians and riders.
Our PA looks forward to continuing to partner with the council and agencies to make sure the final legislation will truly address street safety while preserving access to micromobility as an accessible and affordable option for New Yorkers.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Councilmember Epstein.