PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Peter Brown on E-Bike Safety Concerns
3:34:52
·
153 sec
Peter Brown shares his personal experience of being severely injured by an e-bike rider on the sidewalk, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and enforcement of e-bike laws in New York City. He emphasizes the dangers posed by e-bikes on sidewalks and the lack of consequences for riders who break the law.
- Describes a violent collision with an e-bike that left him with serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries
- Highlights the difficulty in holding the e-bike rider accountable due to disappearance and lack of employment verification
- Calls for education, testing, and real consequences for e-bike riders who break the law to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers
Peter Brown
3:34:52
Hi.
3:34:52
My name is Peter Brown.
3:34:54
In, May of 2020, I was exiting the front door of my residence on East 22nd Street.
3:35:00
And as I stepped onto the sidewalk, I was struck by a speeding e bike on the sidewalk, less than 2 feet from my building.
3:35:06
The impact was so intense that my body was airborne.
3:35:10
I was propelled horizontally, landing head first.
3:35:13
My face was impaled in the middle sidewalk creating.
3:35:17
In the security video, my unconscious bloody body appears lifeless.
3:35:21
I was taken some unconscious to Belleview with many wounds across my forehead, my lips here, under my eyes, my nose was broken.
3:35:27
Among the forehead wounds, there was one that was so large that the Among the forehead wounds, there was one that was so large that the flesh was ripped almost to the skull so large it couldn't be closed with stitches.
3:35:36
There was nerve damage from my mouth.
3:35:38
I still have difficulty speaking at times, all the way down to my feet because of the spinal cord nerves.
3:35:45
I've had numerous reconstructive surgeries and scar revision procedures since then, which I'm very grateful for.
3:35:51
The e bike delivery person did not run away, and his information was given to police.
3:35:56
However, weeks after he disappeared, the thirties could no longer find him.
3:36:00
Attempts to find him or or locate him or have him face any consequences were unsuccessful.
3:36:06
Both Postmates and Grubhub were denied employing him, even though his delivery bag looked very much like a Postmates, Postmates logo.
3:36:17
The following week, I went to local precinct.
3:36:20
I was told my accident was not serious, meaning a limb was not lost, they told me.
3:36:25
Since the incidents I've attempted to stop, many ebike ers on the sidewalk explain it's illegal to use unless they're under 13 years old.
3:36:34
They usually shout obscenities at me.
3:36:37
If I ask the police that are nearby when I see a bike going the sidewalk, they say there's nothing we can do.
3:36:42
The bikes and the sidewalk often have an adjacent bike lane.
3:36:47
I assist in caring for 3 elderly seniors in my building.
3:36:51
If one of them had been hit on the sidewalk lie like I was, they would likely not have survived.
3:36:55
The illegal behavior must be stopped.
3:36:58
There's no consequence for the dangerous behavior, so it continues.
3:37:01
I understand that many bike messengers are from places where the situations and laws are different.
3:37:08
There needs to be an education of the laws here with a test before granting access to ebikes.
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
3:37:15
Thank you.
Peter Brown
3:37:16
Can I add just one sentence more?
3:37:18
And there have to be real consequences for breaking law.
3:37:21
This is necessary for the safety of all New Yorkers.
3:37:23
Priscilla laws needs to be passed.
3:37:24
Thank you very much.
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
3:37:25
Thank you.
