Speaker Menin discusses growth of micromobility and safety concerns
Menin discusses the expansion of e-bikes and e-scooters, the benefits for commuting and delivery, and the serious safety concerns from pedestrians, cyclists, and delivery workers.
So today we are examining an issue that touches the lives of millions of New Yorkers, and I think we see that from the incredible turnout from all of you today.
Micromobility devices and the need to ensure that they are used safely and responsibly on our streets.
Over the past two decades, New York City has made tremendous progress in expanding transportation options.
We've invested in bicycle infrastructure, introduced bike sharing, and embraced new technologies that allow New Yorkers to move through our city more efficiently and sustainably.
Motorized micro-ability devices have become commonplace on our streets, with electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other devices becoming an integral part of New York City.
They've created new modes of commuting, expanded access to jobs, and become an essential tool for thousands of working New Yorkers.
But with these opportunities comes a serious responsibility to ensure that our streets remain safe for everyone.
Over the years, we have heard repeatedly from pedestrians who are afraid to walk on crowded sidewalks, have been forced to look left, right, left, and right, and left again, literally to feel safe crossing the street.
We've seen cyclists concerned about...
faster motorized devices in bicycle lanes and delivery workers who face dangerous conditions while simply trying to earn a living.
We've also seen the devastating consequences of serious collisions and hit and runs that leave families and communities in grief and in pain, and I know we're going to hear from many of them today.
No New Yorker should have to choose between getting where they need to go and feeling safe on our streets.