PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Philip Miatkowski, Interim Deputy Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, on E-bike Legislation
2:15:09
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143 sec
Philip Miatkowski, representing Transportation Alternatives, expressed support for Intro 1131 and strong opposition to Intro 606 during his testimony. He argued that bike licensing is ineffective, costly, and potentially discriminatory, while advocating for infrastructure improvements to enhance street safety.
- Supported Intro 1131 for its infrastructure-first approach to safety
- Opposed Intro 606, citing ineffectiveness of bike licensing, high costs, and potential for discriminatory enforcement
- Advocated for better infrastructure, wider bike lanes, and safe pedestrian areas instead of punitive measures
Philip Miatkowski
2:15:09
Thank you, Chair Brooks Powers and members of the Transportation Committee, for holding today's hearing.
2:15:14
I'm Philip Mantegowski, interim deputy executive director of Transportation Alternatives.
2:15:19
We fight for safe and equitable streets for all New Yorkers.
2:15:24
Thank you, chair, for sponsoring intro 1131.
2:15:27
TA supports this infrastructure first approach, which aims to identify proven, long lasting solutions that address the safety needs of everyone.
2:15:36
In addition to the study, the city should require app based delivery companies to collect and release trip data to help inform where infrastructure is needed.
2:15:46
TA strongly opposes intro 606 for three reasons.
2:15:50
1, bike licensing doesn't work.
2:15:53
Bike licensing laws have been passed and then repealed as ineffective in every major city that has attempted it, including LA, Houston, and Toronto.
2:16:04
2, it would be an expensive bureaucratic nightmare costing 1,000,000 of taxpayer dollars to construct DMV style inspection locations and licensing offices.
2:16:15
The law would only function reactively, not preventing crashes, injuries, and deaths in the first place, and does nothing to hold delivery apps accountable.
2:16:25
3, intro 606 would significantly increase civilian interactions with armed police.
2:16:32
Because ebikes and regular bikes are visually indistinguishable, this bill would allow officers to pull over anyone on any type of bike just to see if it's electric and unlicensed.
2:16:45
This would be a revival of stop and frisk.
2:16:48
People choose ebikes because they are affordable and efficient in a city where transportation choices are limited by where you can afford to live.
2:16:56
We must ensure our roads are ready for change instead of turning to legislation that doesn't work and will ultimately make our streets more dangerous.
2:17:04
We need to actually prevent these crashes, injuries, and fatalities from happening in the first place.
2:17:10
This looks like better infrastructure, wider bike lanes, and safe areas for pedestrians, not an overreliance on punishment.
2:17:18
While intro 606 is currently
Sook Ling Lai
2:17:20
I'm sorry.
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
2:17:20
I'm just gonna ask you if you could wrap up.
Philip Miatkowski
2:17:22
Yep.
2:17:24
The data is clear.
2:17:25
Giving everyone safe and protected space on the streets prevents crashes, injuries, and cycling on the sidewalk.
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
2:17:31
Thank you.
Philip Miatkowski
2:17:31
Thank you for your time.
