E-bikes ignoring traffic laws poses hazards in communities like Roosevelt Island. Some creatively attack the problem while others hide from it. Here, RIOC’s Public Safety Department nestles snuggly in the latter. In its absence, we’ll offer some smart solutions, but first, let’s identify the problem on Main Street.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
A few weeks ago, I came within inches of being seriously injured by an e-bike rider racing past a stopped Red Bus and the curb. He ran a stop sign I was about to cross. Never saw him coming, but after he whipped past, I could only think about what might’ve happened if I was a second faster and in the crosswalk. He never looked back.
My awareness sharpened, I was startled last week when I saw another e-bike race through a stop sign-governed crosswalk right in front of a uniformed PSD officer. The officer did not even look up.
The Longstanding RIOC PSD Problem
I asked the officer why he ignored the e-bike. He became defensive.
“What do you want me to do?”
“I know you can’t chase him on foot, but why not call ahead and have the next officer stop him?”
“We can’t do that,” he said.
“How about standing out in the crosswalk where you’re more visible? Maybe they’ll stop if you’re right there.”
He blew that off too.
Blaming the officer might’ve been easy enough, but he was serious about doing the right thing. The problem was the absence of any apparent policy in dealing with e-bikes ignoring traffic laws. No policy leads to no training and, finally, no action.
So, I contacted RIOC’s executives, including PSD Chief Kevin Brown and Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso.
RIOC’s Interesting Response
“Micromobility riders, including those on mopeds, e-bikes and bicycles must always adhere to NYC traffic laws on the island. PSD conducts enforcement (summons) for vehicles who disobey traffic regulations in the safest manner possible for both the community and the officers who enforce traffic violations. Officers who witness speeding or reckless driving will call down to PSD colleagues in the direction of where the offending vehicle is heading, alert them of the situation, and once the vehicle stops, those officers further down will ticket those riders.
Bryant Daniel, RIOC Communications and Community Relations Director
The only solution offered was the one the officer I met already shot down. More to the point, has anyone ever seen that happen? Of the countless times I’ve seen e-bikes speed through intersections, I’ve never once seen anyone “call down to PSD colleagues.”
It just doesn’t happen.
There was more to the RIOC response, but it was all about New York City rules on high-speed chases, essentially a misdirection.
But the above is no more than my own observation. So, I yield to a “70+year old, mostly able-bodied, long-time resident”.
What this resident says…
I don’t go out much any more.
But when I do, it’s usually very early in the mornings, and then again around 10 am.
It’s very local — up and down Main Street, mostly between Duane Reade and the Post Office and Foodtown. Sometimes with my shopping cart. Sometimes on the Red Bus.
And, I’m increasingly concerned for my safety as a “pedestrian” trying to get from one side of Main Street to the other.
1. Both the presence and the absence of PSD along Main Street, particularly between 501/510 and 580/625 is always concerning. Little to no stopping/summoning/ticketing of vehicles zooming thru crosswalks and ignoring stop signs large and small.
Their uniformed presence at certain times of the day does not seem to be a deterrent to anyone either.
2. Seeing drivers of all types of vehicles who cannot take their feet off the gas or E-pedal to let folks actually fully cross Main Street in the crosswalks before they’ve reached the other side, or in the case of some 2-wheeled vehicles, speeding right by them. Drivers need to be stopped the whole time someone is crossing the street.
3. I’ve been long frustrated by the fact that despite the double yellow lines, there is no signage about “No Passing.” Most drivers pretty much ignore the double yellow lines painted on Main Street, particularly between 501/510 & 580/695 Main Street, and seem to have no patience regarding buses picking up or discharging passengers.
This is not rocket science or brain surgery — vehicle stops / other drivers wait.
While I have not had the degree of bad experiences with Mopeds, E-Bikes, Scooters or just plain bicycles as some of my neighbors, I remain worried. And very concerned.
It’s easy for PSD & RIOC to make some improvements quickly.
So, Do It Now!
Enough said.
RIOC can continue ignoring the hazards putting pedestrians at risk or do what other communities do. That is, stop making excuses and get with it.
As promised, The Daily has suggestions that can help.
Here are some common-sense solutions police use in reducing the hazards of e-bikes ignoring traffic laws:
Enforcement with Education:
- Targeted Enforcement Zones: Identify areas with high e-bike traffic and frequent violations (e.g., ignoring stop signs, riding on sidewalks). Increase police presence in these zones to deter violations and educate riders on safe practices.
- Educational Stops: Instead of focusing solely on citations, officers can initiate educational stops. These brief interactions can explain traffic laws, highlight safety risks, and encourage responsible riding.
- Community Outreach: Collaborate with e-bike rental companies, advocacy groups and schools to conduct safety workshops and distribute informative flyers highlighting traffic laws and safe riding practices.
Infrastructure and Signage:
- Dedicated E-Bike Lanes: Where feasible, consider creating dedicated lanes for e-bikes, separating them from pedestrians and car traffic.
- Improved Signage: Install clear and prominent signage reminding e-bike riders of crosswalks and stop signs. Consider using pictograms to enhance communication across language barriers.
- Shared Lane Markings: For roads where dedicated lanes aren’t possible, consider using shared lane markings with clear signage reminding both e-bike riders and car drivers to share the road safely.
Technology and Innovation:
- E-Bike Speed Regulation: Explore partnering with e-bike rental companies to implement speed limiters that automatically restrict speeds in certain designated areas (e.g., parks, pedestrian zones).
- Automated Enforcement Cameras: Consider using strategically placed cameras to capture footage of e-bikes running stop signs or exceeding speed limits. However, this approach should be implemented alongside educational efforts to gain public acceptance.
Focus on Safety and Collaboration:
- Data-Driven Approach: Collect data on e-bike violations to identify problem areas and tailor enforcement strategies.
- Collaboration with Public Health Officials: Work with public health professionals to highlight the safety benefits of following traffic laws and wearing helmets.
By implementing a combination of these strategies, police forces can create a safer environment for everyone who shares the road, including e-bike riders, pedestrians and car drivers.
Education and awareness go a long way in promoting responsible e-bike use.
When Representation Was the Promise
There was a time when representation felt like the answer.
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