Manhattan Community Board Rejects E-Bike Ban, Citing Lack of Enforcement and Narrow Scope
A proposal to ban e-bikes from all city parks was overwhelmingly rejected by Manhattan’s Community Board 2 last week. The vote served as a biting blow to Council Member Vickie Paladino, the bill’s primary sponsor.
Even with support from several board members who largely oppose e-bikes, the proposed ban was ultimately deemed inadequate.
“We should recognize what [the bill] is trying to do: make it more harmonious and safer for people in parks,” remarked Shirley Secunda, the committee’s chair. “But this is not fleshed out, and we cannot support it in its current form. A larger look should be taken.”
Concerns Over Enforcement and Lack of Scope
With over 21 council co-sponsors, Carver’s proposal has garnered considerable attention, although many note its shortcomings. Paladino could not provide specific data points to support her contention that e-bikes pose an inherent safety risk in parks. Furthermore, she appeared unfamiliar with how the ban would effectively address existing regulations, which already prohibit e-bike use in parks within her own district.
Currently, a Parks Department pilot program permits e-bikes and e-scooters on city owned park drives and greenways. None of these designated paths intersect with CB2.
Adding fuel to the fire, some countered that Paladino’s bill wouldn’t effectively address tangled issues surrounding e-bike usage, arguing it addresses symptoms, not the root cause.
“After mentioning unspecified ‘issues with enforcement of e-bikes,’” noted committee member Susanna Aaron, adding that the bill “does not address [the issue]. It’s redundant and unnecessary in our district.”
Other board members expressed even stronger opposition, alluding to Paladino’s more comprehensive anti-bike agenda.
“She would get rid of all the e-bikes in the city if she could,” explained Parks committee member Edward Siegel.
By contrast, the select nuanced approach was highlighted as a more effective solution.
“This feels like we’re just doing something for looking good. I oppose this bill because it’s just, like, a little Band-Aid/propaganda,” declared Transportation Committee member Jeannine Kiely. “There’s pending state legislation to license all e-bikes. That’s a more comprehensive approach.”
A Broader Look at E-Bike Safety
Some argued the proposal lacked nuance, failing to consider the bigger picture when considering e-bike use. “What about folks who use e-bikes for commuting? I called to keep the sidewalks open to everyone,” argued one opponent.
The debate unfolded with the recent murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare. The alleged perpetrator had fled the scene via e-bike. This fueled concerns whether a ban could truly impede would-be transgressors. Paladino remained steadfast in her position.
“Once it becomes law, if you’re sitting in the park…
What did see, rather than the kind of a passing through. When you’re in a neighborhood, you see the same people repeated. People doingR the same thing, good or bad.”
The bill now faces immense scrutiny, forcing its sponsors to define a plan more clearly.
What are the main concerns surrounding the enforcement of an e-bike ban in Manhattan parks?
Let’s talk about this e-bike ban. Manhattan’s Community Board 2 just shot down a proposal to ban e-bikes from parks. It seems like there are a lot of concerns about how the ban would be enforced, and whether it addresses the real issues surrounding e-bikes. What are your thoughts on all this? Do you think banning e-bikes from parks is the right solution, or are there other approaches that would be more effective?
