PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Alia Soomro, Deputy Director for New York City Policy at New York League of Conservation Voters
3:55:50
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129 sec
Alia Soomro, representing the New York League of Conservation Voters, expressed support for e-mobility devices to reduce fossil fuel-based transportation while acknowledging safety concerns. She opposed Intro 606, which would require licensing and registration of e-mobility devices, and supported Intro 1131 to establish a task force for studying street safety improvements.
- NYLCV strongly opposes Intro 606, citing it as ineffective and potentially burdensome, especially for delivery workers
- The organization supports Intro 1131 and calls for comprehensive solutions including investment in bike infrastructure
- Soomro emphasized concerns about racial disparities in enforcement of potential e-mobility regulations
Alia Soomro
3:55:50
Good afternoon.
3:55:51
My name is Aliyah Sumro, and I'm the deputy director for New York City Policy at the New York League of Conservation Voters.
3:55:57
Thank you, chair Brooks Powers and members of the committee on transportation for the opportunity to speak.
3:56:01
I have submitted longer written comments.
3:56:04
NYLCV is a steadfast supporter of e mobility devices to reduce the amount of fossil fuel based cars on our streets, which helps to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and vehicle congestion.
3:56:15
Emobility devices are increasingly become becoming more affordable and accessible and help a large portion of city residents who don't have cars make non car transportation more accessible over longer distances, especially in transit deserts.
3:56:29
We fully acknowledge that there are many safety concerns that come with the increase in e mobility devices throughout our city.
3:56:35
Frankly, our city has made has not while our city has made many street improvements, it has not kept pace with the rapid use of these devices.
3:56:44
As outlined below, we'll we must prioritize street safety improvements, education, public awareness campaigns to name a few, and not unintended consequences, especially for people who use these devices to make a living.
3:56:57
NYLCV strongly opposes intro 606 by requiring e mobility devices to be licensed and registered.
3:57:04
It will burden e mobility riders without actually improving street safety, ultimately setting us back on our climate efforts.
3:57:12
Every major city that has instituted bike licensing has subsequent subsequently repealed it as ineffective.
3:57:19
This bill is not only a bureaucratic nightmare for DOT, but it also leaves open major questions on how this bill will be enforced.
3:57:26
I wanna emphasize the enforcement aspect and not necessarily how the bill is written Because data shows that black and Latinx people are disproportionately stopped and searched and arrested during traffic stops.
3:57:39
NYCV strongly supports intro 1131 sponsored by council member Brooks Powers, which would establish a task force.
3:57:47
In addition to intro 1131, we join our partners calling for comprehensive solutions.
3:57:52
We must continue to invest in bike infrastructure, and we need to work with app companies.
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
3:57:57
Thank you.
Alia Soomro
3:57:57
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
