Commercial Cyclist Rules

Online comments: 23

• 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

• Deborah M. Farley

  Developing a registry of delivery drivers and requiring them to wear easily identifiable numbers is a crucial first step toward addressing the frenzied delivery driver situation existing in our city. Drivers should also be required to be licensed and insured.

  There is currently no accountability and few penalties for delinquent delivery drivers. Without accountability, the 15-mph speed limit is futile because it cannot be enforced. E-bikes are motorcycles. Pedestrians frequently encounter these riders traveling at speeds that exceed 25 mph, riding on sidewalks, racing through parks, crossing through crosswalks, and many riding in the wrong direction. Pedestrians walk around with a heightened sense of terror, forced to scan 360 degrees when crossing streets and sidewalks.
   
  There has to be a mechanism in place for individuals to easily report repeat offenders, as the number of transgressions is escalating. Advocates in the micromobility community cite statistics that do not accurately reflect e-bike crashes and collisions resulting in pedestrian injuries and deaths. Tragically, most of the cases of pedestrian injuries and death as a result of being struck by delivery drivers go unreported.
   
  Strict enforcement of these regulations should be implemented, and repeat offenders should be banned from delivery apps. All drivers should receive education and training; they must know the rules of the road. All delivery drivers should be required to obtain licenses and carry insurance.

  Debbie Farley, Sunyside, NY

  Comment added August 19, 2025 10:20pm

• Deborah George

  The recent implementation of a citywide 15 mph speed limit and new regulations for cargo bikes is a positive step toward addressing the chaos caused by unregulated riders. However, these measures do not fully ensure accountability or tackle the widespread lawlessness affecting our city’s streets, sidewalks, and parks, which is driven by both commercial and non-commercial riders.

  Non-commercial riders, including those using Citi Bikes, remain completely unregulated and contribute to the same chaos as commercial delivery riders. To truly improve safety, we need mandatory licensing, insurance, visible identification, and training for all motorized e-bike operators, regardless of whether they are riding for commercial purposes or privately.
  Without a way to identify riders or issue citations, the 15-mph speed limit becomes merely symbolic. Many riders exceed speeds of 25 mph, travel the wrong way on one-way streets, and consistently endanger pedestrians in plazas, on sidewalks, and at crosswalks.

  It is essential to establish mechanisms for easily reporting repeat offenders, along with legal requirements for delivery platforms to ban such repeat violators from their applications. Otherwise, reckless riders will remain anonymous, unaccountable, and face no consequences for their actions.

  App companies must be held legally responsible for removing repeat offenders and promoting safe riding behavior, rather than merely profiting from dangerous practices. We must prioritize people over profits. E-bikes—whether commercial, shared, or privately owned—are effectively lightweight motorcycles and can cause severe injuries to pedestrians in the event of a collision. To foster more meaningful change and enhance enforcement, we should consider passing Priscilla’s Law.

  Deborah George, Long Island City

  Comment added August 19, 2025 10:54pm

• Mary Dinoski

  The recent introduction of a citywide 15 mph speed limit and new regulations for cargo bikes is an exciting and commendable step towards restoring order and safety on our bustling streets! While these measures are certainly a move in the right direction, we have an opportunity to build on this foundation and create a truly accountable environment for all riders.

  It’s essential to recognize that non-commercial riders, like those using Citi Bikes, currently operate without regulation and contribute to the challenges caused by commercial delivery riders. To genuinely enhance safety, we should advocate for mandatory licensing, insurance, visible identification, and comprehensive training for all motorized e-bike operators, regardless of their intended riding purpose.

  Without proper identification for riders or a system to issue citations, the 15 mph speed limit risks becoming merely a suggestion. Many riders are exceeding speeds of 25 mph and ignoring traffic rules, which puts pedestrians at significant risk in plazas, on sidewalks, and at crosswalks.

  We must establish effective mechanisms for reporting repeat offenders while also creating legal obligations for delivery platforms to exclude these violators from their services. This way, we can prevent reckless riders from remaining anonymous and unaccountable for their actions.

  App-based companies must take responsibility for promoting safe riding behavior and take action against repeat offenders, prioritizing community safety over profit. E-bikes, whether used commercially, shared, or privately, behave like lightweight motorcycles and can pose serious injury risks to pedestrians in the event of an accident. By pushing for meaningful changes and enhanced enforcement—perhaps through initiatives like Priscilla’s Law—we can foster a safer environment for everyone! Together, let’s make our city a better place for both riders and pedestrians alike.
  Mary Dinoski

  Comment added August 29, 2025 9:45pm

• Janet Schroeder

  It makes absolutely no sense that delivery app companies pay for fines. The rider should pay for the fine. Delivery app companies need to STOP incentivizing speed. This algorithm must be abolished.

  Delivery Apps Paying Fines Won’t Work_
  1- Riders ride for 3-5 delivery apps simultaneously. Which company pays the fine?
  2- What about when the rider isn’t ON THE JOB? Who pays the fine then?
  3- What about Citibike. The e citibike riders are some of the worst and are not held accountable at all
  4- personal accountability is what will save lives. The person with the bike between their legs makes the decision to ride egregiously. THEY will change behavior if there is a consequence ( traffic ticket) for their dangerous riding decisions.

  NO to delivery apps paying fines! YES to Bill 0606-2024 Priscilla’s Law.

  Comment added September 1, 2025 7:14pm

• Mary E. Vachris

  I do not think fining the delivery app companies will work because many delivery app riders work for more than one company. Also, when the delivery app riders are on their way home (not doing business for the app) who is then responsibke when an infraction is made? This bill also does not address E Citibike users who often break the law. A better solution is Priscilla’s Law
  0606-2024 for registration of all e-vehicles, because only personal accountability changes behavior.

  Comment added September 1, 2025 7:52pm

• Judy Kinberg

  Every motorized vehicle should bear a license plate to make it easily identifiable and every person driving it, whether for a commercial purpose or not, should be held responsible for obeying traffic regulations, whatever that takes. The reckless driving of e-vehicles which has become commonplace in the city is way out of control and is endangering our safety on a daily basis. Priscilla’s Law seems to have much of this covered. Please do not settle for a piecemeal approach; find a comprehensive solution that will address this problem once and for all. Thank you.

  Comment added September 1, 2025 8:03pm

• DOT RULES "FIX" INSULTS THOSE HARMED BY DOT E-BIKE COMPLICITY

  This proposed rule is nothing more than another regulatory farce dressed up as a “fix.” It tinkers around the edges of a crisis that is claiming lives and leaving countless pedestrians injured, while offering no meaningful accountability.

  The rule assumes that shifting fines to businesses will somehow solve the lawlessness of e-bike riding, but this ignores reality:

  Delivery riders work for multiple app companies simultaneously. Fines tied to “business responsibility” are unenforceable in practice.

  Riders aren’t always on the job. Who pays when a rider, off-shift, barrels through a red light or mows down a pedestrian on the sidewalk?

  Private and shared-use riders are ignored. CitiBike e-bike users—arguably among the worst offenders—aren’t covered at all. Nor are the thousands of personal e-bike riders with no employer to “fine.”

  This half-measure insults the memory of people like Patricia Loke who lost their lives to reckless, illegal e-bike riders, and dismisses the suffering of those permanently injured. Pretending that roster paperwork and penalty transfers to businesses will stop sidewalk riding, red-light running, and reckless speeding is an abdication of responsibility by DOT.

  The only real solution is Priscilla’s Law (Intro 0606-2024): registration of all e-vehicles and personal accountability for every rider. That is the only way to change behavior, protect pedestrians, and restore a measure of safety to our streets.

  This proposal should be rejected outright.

  Comment added September 1, 2025 8:22pm

• "Rule" Amendment is Utter Nonsense-here's why

  This proposed rule is nothing more than another regulatory farce dressed up as a “fix.” It tinkers around the edges of a crisis that is claiming lives and leaving countless pedestrians injured, while offering no meaningful accountability.

  The rule assumes that shifting fines to businesses will somehow solve the lawlessness of e-bike riding, but this ignores reality:

  Delivery riders work for multiple app companies simultaneously. Fines tied to “business responsibility” are unenforceable in practice.

  Riders aren’t always on the job. Who pays when a rider, off-shift, barrels through a red light or mows down a pedestrian on the sidewalk?

  Private and shared-use riders are ignored. CitiBike e-bike users—arguably among the worst offenders—aren’t covered at all. Nor are the thousands of personal e-bike riders with no employer to “fine.”

  This half-measure insults the memory of people like Patricia Loke who lost their lives to reckless, illegal e-bike riders, and dismisses the suffering of those permanently injured. Pretending that roster paperwork and penalty transfers to businesses will stop sidewalk riding, red-light running, and reckless speeding is an abdication of responsibility by DOT.

  The only real solution is Priscilla’s Law (Intro 0606-2024): registration of all e-vehicles and personal accountability for every rider. That is the only way to change behavior, protect pedestrians, and restore a measure of safety to our streets.

  This proposal should be rejected outright.

  Comment added September 1, 2025 8:24pm

• M. Hari

  Hello.
  RESPECTFULLY. This idea is sorely lacking in accountability and will NOT CHANGE EGREGIOUS DANGEROUS RIDER BEHAVIOR AND ACTIONS.

  I’ve been HIT TWICE by horrific e-delivery riders who cared not for the rules: no paying attention, nor looking at the road, Always on their phone. Always flipping me off. Its a rider culture issue. Priscella’s Law would change rider behavior.

  Delivery riders work for 3-5 delivery app companies simultaneously so that confuses responsibility.

  When the rider is not on the job and riding egregiously, who is responsible then? Or all the e-bikers riding their personal e-bikes? 

  E Citibikers are absolutely some of the worse riders in the city and they are omitted. Lyft CITIBIKE is a haphazard, unprofessional corrupt company. People had died and been forever maimed by Citibike riders, and that company TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY!!! UNACCEPTABLE!!!

  Comment added September 1, 2025 10:29pm

• Kathleen M. Collins

  Here annexed are my comments in response to the New York City Department of Transportation’s (“DOT”) request for comments regarding DOT’s proposal to amend its rules with respect to businesses using bicycles for commercial purposes.

  Thank you.

  Very truly yours,
  Kathleen M. Collins

  Comment attachment
  9-1-2025-KMC-Final-Submitted-Comments-to-DOT-Proposed-Amendments-to-Commercial-Cyclist-Rules.pdf

  Comment added September 1, 2025 10:35pm

• Linda Lopez

  Regarding the proposed rules:
  1. Delivery riders work for 3-5 delivery app companies simultaneously, so the rules absolutely won’t work.
  2. What about when the rider is not on the job and is riding recklessly? Who is responsible then? Or when the e-biker is riding their personal e-bike?
  3. E Citibikers are some of the worst riders in the city and they aren’t even included.

  Why address this issue piecemeal? There is ONE simple, comprehensive solution – “Priscilla’s Law” 0606-2024 – which calls for the registration of ALL e-vehicles. Only personal accountability changes behavior!

  Comment added September 1, 2025 10:37pm

• Christopher leon Johnson

  As per my virtual testimony on this rule this morning. I will like to add that the Minimum wage for deliverista laws has caused all of this to happen. I am calling on the city to remove the mandated Minimums to deliver food in order to get paid.

  These rules proposed are horrible and it will hurt the customers and deliveristas instead of the apps that need to be held accountable.

  Comment added September 2, 2025 10:59am

• Ellen Sandles

  Not a day goes by where I don’t see commercial bicyclists and other citizens using Citi bikes violating traffic rules: riding through red lights into pedestrian crosswalks, riding on sidewalks, riding opposite to traffic. Our streets are chaos. All of this could be stopped by requiring an identification plate to be placed on the front of these bikes so they could be picked up by camera and ticketed. Increasing penalties while not implementing procedures to hold all these people accountable will accomplish nothing. “Priscilla’s Law” 0606-2024 for registration of all e-vehicles, because only personal accountability changes behavior!

  Comment added September 2, 2025 11:31am

• Judi Polson - More Is Needed

  I have lived in New York City since Christmas Day of 1990. Even before Covid, I was frequently menaced on my work commute by bike riders. Now, every single time I leave my front door, I see bike drivers running red lights, riding against the flow of traffic, and riding on the sidewalks—all illegal but currently unaccountable behaviors.

  As an unpaid volunteer with the NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance, I have reviewed the proposed text, and I see that it is full of loopholes. 1) It refers to “bicycles” and “motorized scooters”. It is not clear to me whether this rule would also apply to e-bicycles. I am doubtful that it does. 2) It is not clear that the definition of “properly equipping” a bicycle, as referred to in the rule, includes licensing, registering, and insuring that bicycle, which it should. 3) The language assumes the bicycle operators are employees, but most are independent contractors who work for multiple apps. This renders the rule essentially unenforceable.

  We need stronger steps than this toward addressing the widespread lawlessness of bicyclists that is rapidly rendering our glorious city unlivable. We need Priscilla’s Law.

  All bikes, not just those of delivery drivers, need to be licensed, registered and insured. Here is why: currently bike drivers are almost completely unaccountable for hitting pedestrians, because the drivers cannot be identified.

  If bike operators ride with more accountability, they are safer too. Starting with delivery drivers—ostensibly professionals—is a first step. But we must go further, and require all bikes to be licensed, registered, and insured, as Bob Holden’s Priscilla’s Law would require.

  I know too many New Yorkers whose freedom of movement throughout the city is curtailed by domineering bike drivers. Some of us would just like to be able to walk to the grocery store without being menaced by bullies on bikes. This rule change is a start but will not keep New Yorkers safe from predatory bikers. You need to do more.

  Thank you for your consideration.

  Comment added September 2, 2025 1:09pm

• Renee Baruch

  I was run over by an e-bike in 2023. This resulted in two hospitalizations and multiple surgeries. I still am struggling with the effects. Your rules aren’t enough!
  The WORST scofflaws are the CITIBIKE riders who go as fast as they can and never look up from their phones. I can’t tell you how many near misses I have had with them.
  The e- bike riders work for many companies and most of the time they’re not delivering, but coming back or in their way to where they wait. ( I live at Amsterdam and 79th in Manhattan, the heart of restaurant and delivery country!)
  But truly the very worst and most arrogant are the riders who are not trying to make a buck.

  Comment added September 2, 2025 2:16pm

• Grubhub Holdings Inc.

  Please see the comments attached.

  Comment attachment
  Grubhub-Comments-on-DOT-Proposed-Rule.pdf

  Comment added September 2, 2025 3:07pm

• Relay Delivery, Inc.

  Please see the comments attached.

  Comment attachment
  Relay-Comments-on-DOT-Proposed-Rule.pdf

  Comment added September 2, 2025 3:08pm

• Lauren H.

  This proposed rule omits accounting for delivery riders who take orders from multiple companies and who commit traffic infractions in their off hours. It does not regulate other riders who also present a menace on our public roadways, sidewalks, and parks.
  DOT has to stop treating pedestrians like chopped liver. Enact Pricilla’s Law 0606-2024 to bring civility to our city, because the current state of affairs is intolerable.

  Comment added September 2, 2025 3:35pm

• Patti Myers

  I appreciate what you want to do and it’s a great start. However, I feel very strongly about Priscilla’s law being passed. Unfortunately,I was mowed down by an unlicensed motorist on an E- bike and my life has changed forever. 2 surgeries later and I will need a cane for the rest of my life. Plz consider Priscilla’s law as the best alternative.

  Comment added September 2, 2025 4:30pm