PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jason Fromwitz, Chair of the Transportation Committee at Manhattan Community Board 6
5:48:16
·
118 sec
Jason Fromwitz, speaking as an individual, strongly opposes the proposed bill requiring e-bike registration, arguing it would disproportionately burden immigrant workers and deepen existing inequalities. He emphasizes the importance of delivery workers and calls for more equitable solutions to address safety concerns.
- Highlights the contributions of delivery workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Expresses concern about racist undertones in discussions about e-bike safety
- Urges the pursuit of thoughtful, equitable solutions that respect the contributions of e-bike workers and prioritize safety for all vulnerable road users
Jason Fromwitz
5:48:16
My name is Jason Fromwitz.
5:48:18
I'm a member of Manhattan Community Board 6 and a chair and the chair of its transportation committee.
5:48:23
Today, however, I'm speaking as an individual and not on behalf of the board.
5:48:27
I recognize the urgent need to improve safety for all vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
5:48:33
However, I am here to strongly oppose the proposed bill to require e bikes to be registered as it is not the right solution to address these challenges.
5:48:40
Ebikes are used extensively by delivery workers, many of whom are immigrants performing ruling, low paid work, and difficult and often dangerous conditions.
5:48:48
I am the grandson of 4 immigrants to this country and city, and I deeply emphasize what the challenges that these workers face.
5:48:55
During the COVID 19 pandemic, delivery workers were celebrated as heroes, risking their health to deliver food and groceries to New Yorkers.
5:49:02
Even today, they brave the snow, rain, and freezing temperatures, enabling many others to focus on their families, business, or avoid the harsh conditions themselves.
5:49:11
The topics of ebike safety have been discussed extensively at manhany Manhattan Community Board 6 over the past several years, and I've observed a disturbing theme in those conversations.
5:49:22
During these discussions, individuals have consistently described delivery workers in coded or explicitly racist terms.
5:49:28
Just last week during a meeting of the board, someone called delivery cyclists a pandemic.
5:49:32
And in the hearing today, council member Holden referred to, it as an epidemic.
5:49:37
This kind of language is, underscores the bias that is often underlying these debates.
5:49:43
To be clear, calling for safety measures is is not inherently racist, but we must ensure that our solutions do not perpetuate systematic inequalities.
5:49:52
A registration and licensing system for e bike work workers would disproportionately burden immigrant workers and deepen existing inequalities under the guise of safety.
5:50:00
Instead of measures that stigmatize and penalize this workforce, we need policies that respect their contributions and prioritize safety for all vulnerable road users.
5:50:08
I urge you to oppose this bill and pursue thoughtful, equitable solutions that truly reflect the values of New York City.
5:50:14
Thank you.
