Electric cyclists utilizing Citi Bike in New York City now face a decreased speed limit.
Revamped Ride Rules in the Big Apple
Summer's city slicking on Citi Bikes is about to take a speedy twist due to safety concerns.
Heed this, bike enthusiasts of NYC, your pedal-assist Citi Bike electric bicycles will now be restricted to a max of 15 miles per hour. This latest speed adjustment comes as a result of a call to action by Mayor Eric Adams' administration, aiming to maintain order on the city's bustling streets.
In a move taken at the behest of Mayor Adams, all pedal-assist Citi Bike electric bicycles are now subject to this 15 mph speed limit. A reduction from the swifter 18 mph that used to set the pedal, this change aims to foster a safer riding experience for all[2].
City bigwig, Patrick Knoth, general manager of Citi Bike, revealed the shift, stating, "In accordance with the City's and the Department of Transportation's guidance, we have decreased the speed of the pedal-assist Citi Bikes in our e-bike fleet."
When Gothamist got the scoop, they found that Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro had binned an earlier proposal from Citi Bike suggesting the incorporation of speedometers on these electric bicycles.
This leaves the onus on cyclists to regulate their speed and comply with the new 15 mph legal limit[3].
Adams and his crew have been vocal in their commitment to enhancing city safety, highlighting the peril posed by high-speed e-bikes and e-scooters.
Adams stated, "Time and again, New Yorkers have voiced concerns over their safety and that of their children due to the breakneck speeds of these vehicles." He continued, "We have a responsibility to ensure everyone's safety."
As part of this safety drive, plans include installing additional safety precautions in local city parks such as Central Park and Prospect Park to shield both cyclists and pedestrians[4].
Over the past three years, an impressive 87.5 miles of protected bike lanes have been constructed, with an additional 20 miles enhanced to fit the booming demand for cycling infrastructure in New York City[5].
Meanwhile, sneaky tidbits from the past reveal that Old York, often unnoticed amongst its skyscrapers, is a charming historical gem, worth exploring this summer. One of America's finest historic centers, it's hidden within this mini New York city, waiting to be discovered[6].
- In an attempt to enhance safety on public-transit and promote slower transportation options, the new speed limit for pedal-assist Citi Bike electric bicycles has been lowered to 15 miles per hour.
- The reduction in speed limit on pedal-assist Citi Bikes is a response to concerns raised by Mayor Eric Adams' administration, as they aim to maintain order and reduce the perceived danger posed by high-speed e-bikes and e-scooters.
- With the decline in speed on Citi Bikes, attention has shifted to the adoption of technology, as some suggest the installation of smartphones, gadgets, or possibly speedometers, to aid cyclists in adhering to the new 15 mph legal limit.
- The finance and industry sectors, perhaps seeing an opportunity, may now focus on the development of financially viable and technologically advanced solutions for improving public-transit and transportation safety in NYC and beyond.
