NYC Common Sense released the following statement regarding the City Council’s E-Bike hearing:
“We commend Speaker Menin and the City Council for taking the e-bike crisis seriously and dedicating time to exploring how best to protect New Yorkers as streets, crosswalks, and sidewalks across the five boroughs grow less safe by the day.
“Every day, millions of New Yorkers take their lives in their own hands simply by venturing outside. Pedestrians, as well as responsible cyclists and e-bike riders, risk serious injury or even death because City Hall has refused to hold accountable those who blatantly disobey safety laws and ordinances.
“As reported by the New York Times just today, at least 28 people have died in crashes involving electric bicycles and scooters in 2026 – the highest-ever annual total.
“The proposals under consideration by the Council are an encouraging step forward. But anything short of a comprehensive licensing and registration system falls short. If a rider strikes a pedestrian, traditional cyclist or fellow e-biker and speeds away with no means of identifying them, victims will continue to be denied the justice they deserve.
“This mounting crisis escalated when the mayor, in March, rescinded an NYPD directive that allowed officers to issue criminal summonses to dangerous riders. NYC Common Sense is challenging the legality of this directive; oral argument in the case is scheduled for January 26.
“We call on City Hall to work with the Council, the NYPD and state lawmakers to put in place comprehensive and meaningful regulatory framework that includes licensing, registration and enforcement measures to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.”
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