PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Ryan Barthel on E-bike and Micromobility Regulation
7:53:24
·
121 sec
Ryan Barthel testifies against Intro 606, arguing that the proposed e-bike and micromobility device registration would be costly, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to vulnerable New Yorkers. He highlights concerns about equitable enforcement, impact on marginalized communities, and potential safety risks in parks and greenways.
- Barthel challenges assertions about e-bike registration requirements in Denmark and argues the bill would add unnecessary costs and bureaucracy.
- He expresses concern about NYPD's ability to equitably enforce new regulations and potential misunderstandings of laws for non-car vehicles.
- Barthel suggests focusing on enforcing existing laws rather than creating new ones that could make life more challenging for people using alternative transportation.
Ryan Barthel
7:53:24
Good evening, and thank you for your time.
7:53:25
This is Ryan Barthel.
7:53:27
Contrary to some members' assertions, pedal assist e bikes and e scooters in Denmark are not required to be registered.
7:53:33
Mopeds already are in New York State.
7:53:35
This bill will add unnecessary cost to bureaucracy.
7:53:38
NYPD is not prepared to equitably enforce the new regulations, and it will lead to parks and greenways that are less safe.
7:53:45
This amendment adds complexity and difficulty to many vulnerable New Yorkers.
7:53:49
As worded, it applies to electric wheelchairs, which is clearly problematic.
7:53:53
Many of those using ebikes and scooters are doing so because it it is their only affordable option in our many transit deserts, and this adds another cost and hurdle to already marginalized communities.
7:54:04
And, of course, the fiscal cost of the city of setting up, running, and enforcing this bureaucracy will be huge and take away from other important projects.
7:54:11
NYPD has a history of misunderstanding laws for non car vehicles.
7:54:15
They've been sued to protest the many tickets issued to cyclists legally crossing an intersection with a leading pedestrian indicator, and officers are known to tell cyclists that they're not legally allowed to ride on a greenway where it shares space with the sidewalk.
7:54:28
This bill will in old embolden them to stop and question any cyclist to determine if their bike requires registration.
7:54:35
And if the cyclist does not immediately recognize they're being asked to pull over, the officers may give chase.
7:54:40
Crashes as a result of NYPD chases already account for an average of 10 deaths per year.
7:54:45
This takes those chases off the streets and into our parks and greenways, endangering those we're trying to protect.
7:54:51
Street safety is paramount.
7:54:52
My family does not own a car.
7:54:54
And when I'm riding alone or with my family, I'm keenly aware of the dangers present all around us.
7:54:59
It's already illegal to hit someone with a micro mobility device and lead the scene, just as it's already illegal to hit a cyclist or pedestrian with a car or to double park it, park it on sidewalks, in bus lanes, or in bike lanes, which are the activities that push cyclists to do some of the illegal activities that are mentioned.
7:55:18
We should focus on ensuring that everyone follows the laws that already exist rather than creating new ones to make life more challenging for
Robert F. Holden
7:55:25
our people.
