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PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Vishnu Reddy from Sunnyside, Queens on E-bike Legislation

8:04:39

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114 sec

Vishnu Reddy, a resident of Sunnyside, Queens, testified against Intro 606, expressing strong disapproval of the proposed e-bike registration legislation. He argued that the bill is poorly thought out, impossible to implement effectively, and would negatively impact essential transportation for many residents.

Reddy relies on an e-bike for transportation, especially for trips between outer boroughs that are not well-served by public transit.
He pointed out flaws in the bill's language, such as potentially requiring registration for electric wheelchairs.
Reddy suggested alternative solutions, including holding delivery companies accountable, ensuring e-bike safety certification, and supporting Intro 1138 for universal daylighting at intersections.

Vishnu Reddy

8:04:39

Hi.

8:04:40

My name is Vishnu Reddy, and I live in Sunnyside, Queens.

8:04:43

I'm here to express my strong disapproval for intro 606.

8:04:48

I own and rely on an e bike most states.

8:04:50

It is an essential mode of transportation for me as someone who mostly travels between outer boroughs.

8:04:56

The kind of trips that our public transportation system does not handle well.

8:05:01

Without my e bike, I would be strongly considering getting a car which would contribute to traffic, worsen pollutions, and add to the vehicles being stored on the streets that I share with my neighbors.

8:05:11

My e bike makes it possible for me to live my life without the burden of car ownership.

8:05:17

This bill is poorly thought out.

8:05:18

It's impossible to implement.

8:05:20

If you look at the language of the bill, the definition of quote unquote legal motorized vehicle means that electric wheelchairs need to be registered with the DOT.

8:05:29

This is unacceptable.

8:05:31

I'm not denying the very real concerns that many people here expressed today.

8:05:36

And I strongly believe we need to take action on it.

8:05:39

But this is a reactionary bill being propped up by folks who have no desire to see a workable solution.

8:05:45

There's been no thought put into what it would actually take to implement this bill because there's no way that it can be implemented effectively.

8:05:53

There's no evidence that bike registration would actually solve the problems that people here are rightfully upset about.

8:06:00

We need to hold these delivery companies accountable to ensure that their workforce is not incentivized to cut corners to make a living.

8:06:07

We need to make sure that unregistered mopeds are not being allowed to operate on our streets.

8:06:12

We need to make sure that e bikes that we do have are certified so they're safe to operate and charge.

8:06:18

We need intro 1138 from my council member, Julie 1, for universal daylighting so we all can see each other at intersections and be safer on our streets.

8:06:28

Intro 606 does none of that, and I urge the council to vote against it.

8:06:32

Thank you for your time.

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Clarification on the timeline of Intro 1131

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Testimony by Andre Braga on Opposition to Intro 606