PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Bernadette Ferrara, President of Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance and Member of Bronx Community Board 11, on E-bike and Scooter Regulations
6:24:31
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125 sec
Bernadette Ferrara, representing multiple community organizations in the Bronx, expressed strong support for Intro 606 (Priscilla's Law). She criticized the implementation of the e-bike and scooter pilot program in her community, citing numerous safety concerns and the lack of proper regulations.
- Ferrara highlighted issues such as e-bikes and scooters riding on sidewalks, against traffic, and ignoring traffic signals.
- She blamed the DOT and supporting city council members for prioritizing contracts with e-bike companies over public safety.
- The testimony called for accountability and the implementation of safety regulations, including license plates and registration for these vehicles.
Bernadette Ferrara
6:24:31
Good evening, chair and committee members.
6:24:33
My name is Bernadette Ferrara.
6:24:35
I am the president of the Van Ness Neighborhood Alliance, a member of CEPCA, the Coalition of East Bronx Community Associations, former chair, and 17 year board member of Bronx Community Board 11, and a lifelong Northeast Bronx resident still living in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Van Ness established in 18 53, and I am in support of intro 606 Priscilla Law.
6:25:01
Back in August 1, 2021, the e bike scooter, pilot program was set in our northeast community.
6:25:09
It was evident within a few weeks that with no regulations set in place, along with lax registrations upon use of both scooters and e bikes, that our community's public safety was at risk.
6:25:24
Both scooters and e bikes were riding on sidewalks, driving against the flow of traffic, running red lights and stop signs, major and minor injuries in abundance, and then fatalities.
6:25:37
Transportation committees at the community board level had community outcry that was ignored by DOT.
6:25:44
Even with minor tweaks, they were not working and public safety was still at risk.
6:25:50
It seemed that the contracts made with Lyme, Byrd, and VO were more important than the d o to the DOT than public safety of the community and its residents.
6:26:01
How does a city agency implement a pilot program with no safety regulations, such as license plates with registration, when it comes to moving vehicles along with the knowledge that law enforcement had complications with enforcement of many of these violations.
6:26:21
I excuse me.
6:26:23
I hold DOT and the city council members who supported this pilot program without the foresight of public safety for residents accountable for their irresponsibility that caused main industries and and fatalities.
