New York City Council members are advancing close to a dozen bills aimed at curbing dangerous e-bike use across the city, with lawmakers calling for stronger enforcement, tighter oversight and new steps to protect pedestrians.
The council said Tuesday that it will hold an oversight hearing next month and launch a “comprehensive review” of how the city should respond to the growing concerns surrounding e-bikes.
“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.”
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The renewed effort announced Tuesday is tied to a broader council package introduced this year to begin addressing reckless e-bike riders and the risks they pose on city streets.
One proposal from Council Member Lynn Schulman (D-Queens) would require third-party delivery platforms to register with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, a move intended to give the city greater oversight and more enforcement options for dealing with unruly delivery drivers.
A separate measure from Council Member Gale Brewer (D-Manhattan) would compel delivery apps to gather detailed information about their drivers and monitor their movements throughout the city.
Lawmakers are also expected to roll out additional bills in the coming weeks focused on slow e-bikes, 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 ensure the companies who profit from dangerous speeds are held accountable, the fast, illegal devices come off our streets, and the legal ones are safer.”
