PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Ken Coughlin, Member of Manhattan Community Board 7
7:20:08
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99 sec
Ken Coughlin, a member of Manhattan Community Board 7, testifies in strong opposition to Intro 606, arguing that it's an overly simplistic solution to the complex issue of street safety. He expresses concerns about the bill's potential negative impacts on e-bike usage and immigrant workers.
- Coughlin argues that licensing e-bikes won't increase accountability and may lead to fewer e-bikes on the streets.
- He warns that the bill could facilitate immigrant roundups by providing ICE agents with a list of bike riders.
- Coughlin suggests the council should focus on regulating app companies that exploit workers rather than punishing delivery workers.
- He urges the council to reject Intro 606 and pass Intro 1131 instead.
Ken Coughlin
7:20:08
Great.
7:20:08
Thank you.
7:20:09
Thanks for hanging in there.
7:20:11
My name is Ken Coughlin.
7:20:12
I'm a 15 year member of Manhattan Community Board 7, although my views here are my own, not those of CB 7.
7:20:20
I'm speaking in strong opposition to intro 606.
7:20:24
Increasing safety on our streets is a complex issue that is not susceptible to simplistic solutions like this one.
7:20:32
The bill supporters believe that licensing will translate into accountability even though it hasn't worked for drivers or in any city where bike licensing has been tried.
7:20:43
Requiring all e bikes to be licensed will simply mean there will be fewer e bikes.
7:20:50
But perhaps the bill's most frightening aspect is that it will roll out the red carpet for Donald Trump's intended immigrant roundup.
7:20:59
His ICE agents would love to get their hands on a list of all bike riders in New York City, most of whom are immigrant workers.
7:21:07
It's very easy to punch down and blame delivery workers for a system that forces them to break traffic laws just to eke out a living.
7:21:15
Instead, the council could be punching up, reining in the app companies whose business model is to exploit workers without regard to safety.
7:21:25
So, in conclusion, if you wanna put the brakes on the shift to alternative modes in our city, then you'll pass this bill.
7:21:33
If you wanna increase police stops for all cyclists, then you'll pass this bill.
7:21:38
But if you truly care about safety on our streets, then you will reject this bill and pass intro 1131.
7:21:46
Thanks for your time.
