PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Brian Holbrook, Public Defender, on Intro 606
7:04:06
·
108 sec
Brian Holbrook testifies in opposition to Intro 606, arguing that upgrading traffic infrastructure and creating more space for pedestrians and cyclists is more important for safety than the proposed legislation. He challenges the assumption that the bill will stop traffic violations and criticizes the inclusion of Class 1 e-bikes in the legislation.
- Highlights the prevalence of traffic violations by cars, countering arguments that cars always follow traffic rules
- Specifically opposes including Class 1 e-bikes (pedal-assist) in the legislation, arguing they are not more dangerous than regular bikes
- Expresses concern that the bill may discourage biking in the city
Brian Holbrook
7:04:06
Hello.
7:04:07
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
7:04:09
My name is Brian Holbrook, and I'm here to testify in opposition to intro 606.
7:04:15
I think the testimony of many others has gone over why, upgrading our traffic infrastructure, creating more space for pedestrians and bikers instead of cars is the most important thing that this council can do to, increase safety for everybody on the roads, including pedestrians.
7:04:35
And we've heard several people say that cars, you know, follow off.
7:04:39
They stop at red lights.
7:04:40
They don't speed.
7:04:41
I think anybody who spends 5 minutes on the streets of New York City knows that just is not true.
7:04:45
Cars with license plates with, you know, presumably licensed drivers break the law all the time.
7:04:50
So the idea of the intro 606 is somehow going to magically stop all traffic violations.
7:04:56
You know, assuming perfect compliance is is just a fantasy.
7:05:00
I also wanna speak specifically to, the problems of including, class 1 ebikes, also known as pedal assist ebikes, in this legislation.
7:05:10
These are bikes that are of the same weight class as, regular bikes.
7:05:15
They, do not go faster.
7:05:16
They have governors in them that require them to turn off the motor if they're going, over 18 miles an hour.
7:05:23
So these are bikes that are not in any way more dangerous to, people, pedestrians in the city than regular bikes.
7:05:29
I know that there are council members, including council member Holden, unfortunately, who don't like bikes at all and would prefer to see a lot fewer of them on the streets of our city.
7:05:37
But for those council members who do wanna encourage biking, the idea of including class 1 ebikes in this, like the one that I use, to commute to work every day as a public defender in this bill is, a terrible idea, and I hope the council will reject the bill entirely.
7:05:53
Thank you.
