Alia Soomro of NYLCV testifies on e-mobility and safety

Good afternoon.

My name is Alia Sumro, and I'm the Deputy Director for New York City Policy at the New York League of Conservation Voters, a statewide environmental organization.

Thank you to the chairs and committee members for the opportunity to testify.

I've submitted longer written comments, so I'm going to focus on the high level today.

NYLCV continues to be a steadfast supporter of safe and legal e-mobility devices, such as low-speed and pedal-assist e-bikes, cargo bikes, and e-scooters.

This helps us to reduce the amount of fossil fuel-based cars on our streets, which can decrease greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and vehicle congestion.

These devices offer a more affordable and accessible mode of transportation, and it helps a large portion of the city who live in transit deserts access where they need to go, and it also helps a lot of residents with their employment.

We are saddened by the cyclist deaths and injuries, and we support equitable policy solutions to ensure that all New Yorkers are safe.

While our city has made a lot of strides on street improvements, there are still many dangerous, illegal, and high-speed devices out there, and their proliferation is a serious concern, whether you're a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist.

NYLCV is pleased that the admin has released Vision Zero reimagined, and we want to underscore that for this to be successfully implemented, we need to implement, allocate the right capital and expense funding for safety improvement.

and DOT staffing.

And so ultimately to improve safety for all residents, NYLCV strongly supports a multi-pronged approach, such as improving street safety education, street infrastructure,

requiring more accountability from app-based companies, stopping businesses that sell illegally or falsely advertise high-speed devices, and developing a phased approach to remove illegal and uncertified high-speed devices.

So my written comments go in a lot more depth, but there are a few bills that we support that I just want to quickly highlight.

We support Intro 244.

We strongly recommend that we...

Thank you, Alia.

Please submit your written testimony.

We'll make sure to read it.

I don't have any questions, but I believe my co-chair does.