Commercial Cyclist Rules

Online comments: 4

• Andrew

  Requiring a roster of drivers and requiring they wear distinctive identifying numbers is one of the first common sense proposals to reigning in this chaotic delivery driver atmosphere we have, but it needs to go further. They need to be fully licensed and insured. The 15mph rule was a good idea in principle, but is clearly not enforced.

  So this is a good start, as there is clearly no accountability of the delivery drivers as it stands now. These e-bikes are essentially motorcycles, and we have to deal with them speeding on our sidewalks, through our parks/crosswalks, and frequently the wrong way all at over 25mph. There should be some mechanism for individuals to report repeat offenders, because this is chaos.

  Many in the micromobility crowd seem to throw around stats that the e-bikes don’t cause a lot of crashes, but the general public knows to not buy this. I have seen several crashes, primarily near Astor place, where they speed through the pedestrian plazas, and they ride right off. Additionally, the reason there are fewer crashes is because we as pedestrians have learned how to adjust our behavior for their chaotic riding. We don’t just look both ways anymore, we look 360 degrees when crossing the street or walking on the sidewalk. It has created and unsafe and anxiety inducing atmosphere that we do not want.

  I say all of these things as an avid cyclist who has seen the delivery industry destroy the practical use of our bike lanes. We need further change now. Require licensing, insurance, and training for all drivers. Have strict enforcement and ban repeat offenders from the apps. Combine this with expanding our bike lanes , and aggressively enforcing traffic violations against car drivers, and we will finally have livable streets again.

  At the end of the day, the strongest focus should be on the cars, but in the meantime, get these e-bikes off of our sidewalks.

  Comment added July 29, 2025 11:45am

• Frank Dardani

  Every adult using a bicycle should have a license plate and insurance should wear safety equipment should have lights horns and reflecting features on the bicycle

  Comment added July 30, 2025 11:00am

• Urgent Reforms Still Missing

  The Adams administration’s proposal to regulate commercial delivery e‑bikes—including a citywide 15 mph speed limit and rules for cargo bikes—is a welcome acknowledgement of the chaos spawned by unregulated riders. But these measures, while well-intentioned, fall dramatically short of achieving real accountability.
  .
  What’s Missing? This: Non-commercial riders—including Citi Bike users—remain entirely unregulated, yet they often ride at similar speeds and routinely flout traffic laws with no visible identification, licensing, or oversight. From privately owned e‑cycles to bike‑share users, no visible ID, registration, or insurance is required, making enforcement and tracking of repeat offenders virtually impossible.

  We need universal visible ID for all motorized bikes (including Citi Bikes): requiring both operator ID and bike‑mounted registration numbers is overdue—this is the minimum baseline for restoring control.

  We need mandatory licensing, insurance, and training for all motorized e‑bike operators, whether working commercially or privately. The current rule fails to include these essential public safety tools.

  We need meaningful enforcement of the 15 mph speed limit: without the ability to identify riders or buttress laws with citations, the speed cap is symbolic at best.

  We need mechanisms to report repeat offenders, and legal obligations for delivery platforms to ban violators from their applications—otherwise reckless riders remain anonymous and unaccountable.

  We need platform accountability: app companies should be legally responsible for removing repeat offenders and encouraging safe behavior, not merely benefiting from dangerous practices.

  E‑bikes—whether commercial, shared, or privately owned—are effectively lightweight motorcycles. Many exceed 25 mph, travel the wrong way on one-way streets, and regularly endanger pedestrians in plazas, sidewalks, and crosswalks. These behaviors have made public spaces less safe and eroded pedestrian peace of mind.

  The current rule’s focus solely on commercial riders is short-sighted and unacceptable. If it has a motor, the bike must be subject to identification plates, DMV registration, insurance, training, and helmet requirements.

  Without these reforms, the proposed rule is nothing more than regulatory theater. It fails to tackle the root causes of unsafe micromobility behavior. Pedestrians and advocacy groups have repeatedly criticized the proposal, calling it unenforceable and insufficient, urging state-level laws such as “Priscilla’s Law”, which would mandate registration and license plates for e‑vehicles tied to real enforcement and accountability.

  These reforms are far more than symbolic—they are essential for restoring safety, fairness, and integrity to New York’s streets. By requiring visible ID, training, insurance, and accountability across all motorized riding platforms, and holding delivery app companies legally responsible, we can begin to move beyond superficial rulemaking and toward meaningful change. Anything less risks perpetuating a system where fast, anonymous riders continue to threaten public safety while avoiding consequences.

  We deserve more than half-measures. We deserve streets that are safe, livable, and governed with accountability.

  Comment added July 30, 2025 2:18pm

• Guy Bernard Lalanne

  With help from my new best friend Ai
  That’s a thoughtful and timely suggestion. As micromobility devices like electric bikes, scooters, and skateboards have become more common in NYC, safety and regulation have struggled to keep pace. Your idea addresses real concerns about pedestrian safety, shared spaces, and accountability.

  Here’s how your proposed rules could be framed more formally:

  —

  Proposed NYC Rules for Motorized Micromobility Devices

  Scope: Applies to all personal transport devices (e.g., e-bikes, e-scooters, electric skateboards) capable of speeds greater than 10 mph and powered by a motor.

  1. Restricted Areas

  No operation allowed in:

  Public parks

  Sidewalks

  Pedestrian-only zones

  Exceptions may be made for low-speed mobility aids (e.g., for people with disabilities).

  2. Registration & Plates

  Devices exceeding 10 mph must:

  Be registered with the DMV or a designated city agency

  Display visible identification plates or stickers

  3. Insurance Requirement

  Owners must carry minimum liability insurance to cover injuries or property damage.

  4. Enforcement

  NYPD and park enforcement officers may:

  Issue fines for non-compliance

  Impound unregistered or uninsured devices

  Require proof of insurance and registration on demand

  5. Education & Compliance Period

  A 6-month public awareness campaign before full enforcement

  Subsidized registration for low-income individuals

  —

  Rationale:

  Pedestrian Safety: Fast-moving devices on sidewalks and in parks pose real risks, especially to children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

  Accountability: Registration and insurance provide a way to trace and manage incidents.

  Fair Use of Shared Spaces: Prioritizes walkability and recreational safety.

  —

  If you’re serious about promoting this, here are some next steps:

  1. Contact Your Local Council Member: They can sponsor or support legislation.

  2. Attend a Community Board Meeting: Raise the issue and gather feedback.

  3. Start a Petition: Public support helps push for policy change.

  4. Partner with Advocacy Groups: Groups like Transportation Alternatives or local neighborhood associations may amplify your message.

  Would you like help drafting a petition, flyer, or letter to your council member?

  Comment added August 8, 2025 3:48pm