Commissioner Flynn testifies on pre-considered 2590 (sidewalk detection)
Flynn supports the intent of requiring sidewalk riding detection technology, but says existing technology cannot effectively distinguish sidewalk from roadbed and may cause safety issues.
Lastly, pre-considered 2590, sponsored by Chair Abreu.
This bill requires the installation of sidewalk riding detection technology on e-bikes and e-scooters that are part of self-service share systems, with violators facing a progressive penalty structure.
E-bike and e-scooter riders must abide by the same traffic laws, rules, and regulations applicable to drivers.
Riders are permitted on arterial and local streets throughout the city and must use designated bike lanes when available, and riding is prohibited on certain bridges, expressways, and highways unless a designated bicycle path exists.
In general, riders are not permitted to operate on sidewalks, but we do have locations across the city that allow for sidewalk riding, as indicated by official signage.
We support the bill's intent so riders abide by these rules, but based on our research, existing technology cannot effectively distinguish
between sidewalk and roadbed and can cause safety issues for riders in the road if the technology mistakes them for sidewalk riders, slowing the device while in traffic.
We share the council's concern with unsafety.
safe riding behavior, and look forward to working with the sponsor to discuss existing and reliable safety tools to address this concern.