PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Carl Tate, Resident of Midtown Manhattan, on E-Bike Regulation
3:51:44
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121 sec
Carl Tate, a long-time resident of midtown Manhattan, testified in support of Intro 606 (Priscilla's law) which would require license plates on e-vehicles. He argued that e-bikes, while theoretically a welcome alternative to cars, have become a danger due to reckless riding and lack of accountability.
- Tate shared personal experiences of dangerous encounters with e-bike riders, including nearly being hit while crossing with the light and being assaulted by a rider.
- He criticized arguments against the legislation, calling the idea that improved cycling infrastructure would solve the problem "sheer fantasy."
- Tate argued that opposition to the license law "smacks of ageism and ableism," noting that older people and those with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to reckless e-bike riders.
Carl Tate
3:51:44
My name is Carl Tate, and I've lived in midtown Manhattan since 1997.
3:51:48
I'm speaking today in support of intro 606, Priscilla's law.
3:51:53
I'm not a fan of cars and haven't owned one in over 20 years.
3:51:56
I walk or take public transportation everywhere I go in this city.
3:52:00
E bikes are in theory a welcome alternative, but in practice, they're a constant nightmare.
3:52:07
They routinely speed through solid red lights, go the wrong way on one way streets, and ride on the sidewalk.
3:52:13
Compounding the danger, they are fast, they are heavy, and they're nearly silent.
3:52:19
Far too many e bikers view traffic laws as entirely optional and get angry if you challenge their dangerous law breaking.
3:52:27
1 nearly mowed down my daughter and me while we were crossing with the light, and he didn't even slow down.
3:52:33
In another case, I yelled at an e biker who was barreling through a red light.
3:52:38
He responded by punching me as he drove by.
3:52:42
The absence of a license plate made it effectively impossible to report the assault.
3:52:47
Intro 606 is a common sense measure that will require license plates on e vehicles.
3:52:53
This is fundamental to accountability.
3:52:56
The counterargument that e bikes would suddenly stop breaking the law if cycling infrastructure improved is sheer fantasy.
3:53:04
This is contradicted on a daily basis by e bikes constantly and aggressively ignoring traffic laws even in protected bike lanes.
3:53:14
The argument that it's racist to enforce traffic laws is nonsensical on its face, but opposition to this license law smacks of ageism and ableism.
3:53:24
Those of us who are over 60 have slower reaction times.
3:53:27
My downstairs neighbor is in a wheelchair.
3:53:30
We cannot nimbly dodge entitled scofflaws who refuse to be held accountable for their actions.
3:53:37
Reject the inane nonarguments of the opposition.
3:53:40
Stand up for accountability and safety, and vote in favor of intro 606.
3:53:44
Thank you.
