Pilot program allowing e-bike users to ride in city parks to launch next week
Back in March, the pilot program was first announced as a part of Mayor Eric Adams' "Charge Safe, Ride Safe: NYC's Electric Micromobility Plan."
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Starting next Tuesday, residents can expect to see many e-bike and scooter riders flooding greenways and bike paths in local city parks.
This is because of a Parks Department pilot program that aims to help New Yorkers get around safely, affordably and quickly.
Some people say this could be dangerous.
"Those e-bikes could be a little bit dangerous sometimes because they do speed," says Melissa Hodgson, who lives near Prospect Park. After finding out about the new pilot program, it sparked many concerns.
"Well, my kids are out here playing. If they come off the road and turn the wrong way and they don't see the kids coming like playing around over here, they may get hit," Hodgson says.
Back in March, the pilot program was first announced as a part of Mayor Eric Adams' "Charge Safe, Ride Safe: NYC's Electric Micromobility Plan." It is a program that is supposed to keep New Yorkers safe as the use of scooters and e-bikes progresses in the city.
E-bike riders will now have the access to ride in bike paths like Prospect and Central Park loops - spaces where traditional bikes are already allowed.
"E-bikes and e-scooters are here, might as well get used to them. They are not a part of our movement. Now, we must make sure that they are incorporated in our everyday lives in a safe and efficient manner," Adams said.
While some people think this program is dangerous, app delivery workers rely on this form of transportation.
"More than 65,000 app delivery workers rely on these electrical micromobility devices to meet the brutal delivery schedules that they receive from the app delivery industry," said Ligia Guallpa, executive director Worker’s Justice Project.
