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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Vishnu Reddy from Sunnyside, Queens on E-bike Legislation
8:04:39
ยท
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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.