Persecuting E-Bikes in New York City

[veloman]

Yeah, being able to flow safely with traffic, eliminate 100% direct air pollution, vastly reduce traffic congestion, and get around safely without needing a shower and additional meal warrants a $1000 ticket.

Whoever is in NYC needs to fight this crap hard.

How many times do I have to say "ticket the reckless, and not target the mode"?

[mabman]

That's the "safety" point we should be making. How ebikes actually contribute to courtesy and safer operation than peddlers who blow through crosswalks and intersections.

I agree with this wholeheartedly.

I am no saint on my regular bike in regards to this but when I am on my assist bikes I stop at all stop signs. However I don't always put my foot down if a trackstand will do. One day on the way to the bank using this method when I got to the bank and was locking up my esteed an older gent walked by grumbling about "I sure wish that the bicyclers in this town had to obey the traffic rules like the cars do" and I replied that as a matter of fact I make it a point to stop at all stop signs and he said "I just saw you run two stop signs".

Knowing that I hadn't I figured that it was just a matter of perception on his part because of the speed I was able to cross the street which in his mind was impossible for a bicycle to do from a full stop. But there is no doubt in my mind that there are ebikers out there running stop signs and that the delivery people in NYC are breaking some of the rules, but probably the perception that they are doing so is doing most of the damage.

They need to run this on the local access channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6wQcIGx5Ew

[Lessss]

[Ykick]

Don't we all feel better knowing these "people" are looking out for us?

2012_3_electricbikes.jpg (77.68 KiB) Viewed 341 times

http://gothamist.com/2012/02/28/should_ ... ke_get.php

This city probably has more eBikes in use than any other city in the USA but just one little problem, they're illegal. I can't find words to describe how utterly stupid this place can be...

[hydro-one]

You wont need to they do it here.....

http://gothamist.com/2011/11/11/unlicen ... strian.php


now i know what being dumbfounded feels like!!! after reading both these articles, I will never visit NEW YORK!!!!!! whose with me!!!! and tell your reletives!! but this wont help the poor people who already live there!!! god help them poor souls

[Ykick]

Agreed, I'm only here for a gig that can't be found anyplace else. When it's over, back to the People's Republic of California for me...

Isn't it special how councilwoman Lappin proposes $1000 fines for eBikes while ignoring the measly $500 fine for unlicensed motor vehicle driver killing/injuring pedestrians?

Fine the illegal behavior/operation not the utensil stupid...

[veloman]

http://www.jessicalappin.com/main.cfm?a ... pContactUs

I am proposing a discussion with Jessica Lappin. Perhaps we can educate her on ebikes and what the real problem is.

[flathill]

Why not $10,000? At what point do we stand up and say enough is enough? History always...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Mo ... conspiracy

Real freedom is a return to the wild

[eugenem]

According to the same City Councilwoman Jessica Lappin here http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/dyn ... -1.1056858

"Electric bikes are currently outlawed in the city unless they have a maximum speed of under 15 miles per hour"

Which is it? Are they illegal or legal when limited to 15mph?

Don't we all feel better knowing these "people" are looking out for us?

2012_3_electricbikes.jpg

http://gothamist.com/2012/02/28/should_ ... ke_get.php

This city probably has more eBikes in use than any other city in the USA but just one little problem, they're illegal. I can't find words to describe how utterly stupid this place can be...

[veloman]

I never got a response from Jessica Lappin, she doesn't seem interested in discussing this ebike issue of hers.

[Lock]

I never got a response from Jessica Lappin, she doesn't seem interested in discussing this ebike issue of hers.

Human nature not to admit you've been an idiot once you realize the truth of things... plus she only cares about the majority opinion of the unwashed hoi polloi (aka "voters".) Possibly more effective if folks can get ebike positive opinion pieces published in the local medias.

L

[eugenem]

I am just curious share she got her information. I couldn't find anything about the 15mph limit in NYC.

I never got a response from Jessica Lappin, she doesn't seem interested in discussing this ebike issue of hers.

Human nature not to admit you've been an idiot once you realize the truth of things... plus she only cares about the majority opinion of the unwashed hoi polloi (aka "voters".) Possibly more effective if folks can get ebike positive opinion pieces published in the local medias.

L

[Ykick]

15MPH? She's pulling this out of her ass and/or her advisers are looking for a way to back off. Unless something passed up in Albany recently, there's nothing about 15MPH that I've ever heard of?

I'll tell you something she should be working on - damn 59th St Bridge (Ed Koch) has stupid car drivers driving up the bike/walk lane all the time. It could even be every day. Since January, I've seen it 9 times. Luckily, so far it's been stupid drivers but one of these days/nights some drunk will get on there and drive it like they stole it...

[eugenem]

She said the same thing here http://www.wnyc.org/blogs/wnyc-news-blo ... /speeding/

I wonder if this is something new we have not heard about...

15MPH? She's pulling this out of her ass and/or her advisers are looking for a way to back off. Unless something passed up in Albany recently, there's nothing about 15MPH that I've ever heard of?

I'll tell you something she should be working on - damn 59th St Bridge (Ed Koch) has stupid car drivers driving up the bike/walk lane all the time. It could even be every day. Since January, I've seen it 9 times. Luckily, so far it's been stupid drivers but one of these days/nights some drunk will get on there and drive it like they stole it...

[Ykick]

Good lord, these people really should stop talking. Apparently, the 15MPH thing is an old law from the 90's for Central Park. There were still signs up until recently and a few cyclists were even ticketed but police later apologized and voided the tickets.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Ci ... 70989.html

http://transalt.org/files/resources/blu ... debar.html

I've heard and been told there's basically 25-30 MPH citywide speed limit for everywhere in Manhattan other than FDR and West side highway. I dunno, but I can tell you on a quiet Sunday morning with light traffic taxis and black cars barrel up/down avenues between 50-60 MPH. Go figure...

[Lock]

I've heard and been told there's basically 25-30 MPH citywide speed limit for everywhere in Manhattan other than FDR and West side highway. I dunno...

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/trafrule.pdf

Section 4-06
SPEED RESTRICTIONS
(a) Maximum speed limits and basic rule.
(1) No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than thirty miles per hour except where official signs indicate a different maximum speed limit.
(2) Where official signs are posted indicating a maximum speed limit, no person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than such maximum speed limit.

1oCk

[Lock]

According to the same City Councilwoman Jessica Lappin here http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/dyn ... -1.1056858

"Electric bikes are currently outlawed in the city unless they have a maximum speed of under 15 miles per hour"

Which is it? Are they illegal or legal when limited to 15mph?

Interesting to see this mis-information being picked up elsewhere:
http://sfbay.ca/2012/04/07/duo-gives-biking-a-cross-country-jolt/

Part of the problem are silly laws in places like New York City. Electric bikes are illegal in Gotham unless their speed is limited to a moribund 15 miles per hour.

I wonder if SFBay "researched" this fact themselves, or were fed the info by Mordkovich and Mostovetsky...

Lock

[Ykick]

I read about this cross country attempt a few days ago and would've rode down to see em off but Sat is a long day at work with no time to ride to Prospect Park in Brooklyn and back to Manhattan.

The 15MPH thing sounds like some politician trying to back peddle and turning this into urban legend. NY Times had an article end of March about the unprecedented act of police going to cyclists' homes who were wrongly ticketed, apologizing and voiding the tickets. I bet that wasn't eggy?

This place is such a mess...

[Lock]

http://www.sheepsheadbites.com/2012/04/which-motorized-vehicles-are-illegal-in-new-york-city/

Which Motorized Vehicles Are Illegal In New York City?

by Ned Berke on Apr 10th, 2012



As the warm weather kicks in, the NYPD’s 61st Precinct is launching a public awareness campaign about the illegality of certain vehicles which have become more prevalent in our community. The following is the text of a flier they are currently distributing:

In an effort to ensure the safety of the motorists and pedestrians of New York City, the NYPD would like to advise citizens of the rules and regulations related to specific motorized devices.

The following motorized devices cannot be registered within New York State and therefore these devices cannot be operated on the highways, public streets or sidewalks of New York State.
Motorized Scooters
Dirt Bikes
Mini Bikes
Go-Karts
Motor Assisted Bicycles - This includes electric powered bicycles

Operation of any of these devices on any highway, street, sidewalk, parking lot or any area that allows public motor vehicle traffic is strictly prohibited.

Use of these devices subject the operator to summons and/or arrest as well as confiscation of the motorized device. Please be considerate of the safety of your fellow motorists and pedestrians.

The NYPD Thanks You For Your Cooperation.

"Please be considerate of the safety of your fellow motorists..."

[Ykick]

"Please be considerate of the safety of your fellow motorists..."

"...and pedestrians"

message is, "don't be an ass" because we can make things very difficult for you.

[Lock]

Apparently Go-Carts are causing problems in Manhattan too...

[veloman]

If that campaign is real, why does google not return anything resembling it other than the article on that sheepsheadbite site?

[Lock]

Breaking news? Not news-worthy outside of Brooklyn? Ya have to ask this guy:
http://www.sheepsheadbites.com/about/

About
by Ned Berke on May 12th, 2008

Founded in May 2008, Sheepshead Bites is a local news outlet chronicling the daily experiences of living in Brooklyn’s best neighborhood, Sheepshead Bay. Part community bulletin board, part newspaper – Sheepshead Bites brings you stories about breaking news, meeting coverage, events, businesses and history. We report on your block and every block around you. We tell you about transportation and development issues, as well as the best restaurants to visit, unique stores and upcoming events.

In short, we rock your hyperlocal news world.

Who we are


Ned Berke (Editor) is a lifelong Sheepshead Bay resident. After graduating Rutgers University, he returned to the neighborhood and freelanced for community papers including the Bay News and Bay Currents. He’s gone on to edit and write for one of the largest television trade magazine publishers in the world, before moving abroad to freelance from Lima, Peru. He returned in 2009 to work full-time on Sheepshead Bites and bring residents the news they need and deserve.

[Lock]

Liquor Licenses Latest Weapon Against Bad Biking by Deliverymen
http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20120514/yorkville/liquor-licenses-latest-weapon-against-bad-biking-by-deliverymen

YORKVILLE — The Upper East Side’s latest weapon in the fight against bad biking is putting up roadblocks to liquor licenses because of cycling violations.

The local community board amended its liquor license approval rules a few months ago and will now only support applications when owners agree to abide by bicycle guidelines such as not riding on sidewalks, having proper equipment and not using electric bikes.

Adam's Chinese restaurant — which does business under the name Vicky's Cottage — on Second Avenue and East 91st Street, was the first to see the impact of the new rules.

The State Liquor Authority denied its wine and beer license application last month after two members of Community Board 8 spotted one of its deliverymen riding an electric bike on the sidewalk.

Full article in the link...

Lock

[Lock]

http://parkslope.patch.com/articles/the ... c-bicycles

The 78th Precinct Pushes to Enforce the Illegal Use of Electric Bicycles

Last week, during a two-day initiative the 78th precinct confiscated three electric bicycles and arrested its riders in a crackdown on the illegal hybrid bicycles.

By Will Yakowicz
12:48 pm

Deliverymen and women can be seen racing around from delivery to delivery on the electric bicycles, which are half bike, half electric motorized vehicle with a rechargeable battery.

But, their speed poses concern: they can get up to 20 to 30 miles per hour and they are illegal to ride or operate in New York State.

Last August, with the use of e-bikes on the rise, Councilmember Brad Lander (D- Park Slope) called for a task force to study the law and how the electric bicycles fit in.

Lander said the e-bikes “travel in a legal black hole – some agencies consider them bicycles, others consider them mopeds."

But years before, in 2004, a bill was passed making electric bicycles illegal.

The Department of Motor Vehicles’ website, click here, states that you cannot register an electric bicycle and are illegal to ride:

“These devices are not allowed on any street, highway, parking lot, sidewalk or other area that allows public motor vehicle traffic. You are subject to arrest if you operate one of these motorized vehicles and do not have a registration, driver license, inspection, insurance or correct equipment. The DMV can not provide any information about operation of these devices on private property. Contact the local authorities and property owners.”

The DMV says that, “these devices are motor vehicles, but they do not have the correct equipment or design for operation on roadways.”

With the law clearly written the 78th precinct is cracking down on the lawbreakers.

The Commanding Officer of the 78th precinct, Captain Michael Ameri, said that after “numerous complaints” from the community about how the electric bicycles “disturb the quality of life throughout the neighborhood” he started a two-day campaign to enforce the law.

During the initiative last week, Ameri said that his cops arrested three electric bike riders and confiscated the three bikes, on the grounds that they are unlicensed and unregistered vehicles.

“They are illegal to operate on city streets because they cannot be registered by the Department of Motor Vehicles,” Ameri said, explaining that it is not illegal, however, to own one, but it is illegal to ride one on the streets.

Lander said that although the bikes are popular because of their speed, that potential speed, especially on a sidewalk (where all bikes are illegal), on a bike lane or in the street could be dangerous to others.

“Electric bikes can accelerate much faster than a bicycle and represent a potential hazard without clear city and state laws about where and how they can be ridden," Lander said in August.

Lander said that his bill is focused on the dangerous aspect of the electric bicycles pose to others sharing the road:

“E-bikes are a safety concern in our neighborhood,” Lander told Patch on Tuesday. “That is why I have introduced legislation to align city and state law – and help keep pedestrians, cyclists and drivers in our community safe.”