New York City Proposes Larger Freight Bikes – NBC New York (47)

NEW YORK — Department of Transportation Commissioner Dannis Rodriguez announced Monday that New York City is taking steps to allow the use of larger pedal-powered cargo bikes.

The proposed rule, which would allow the use of these cargo bikes, is designed to make deliveries safer and more sustainable by reducing the number of delivery trucks on the streets of the Big Apple.

This will expand low or zero emissions options for cargo deliveries, including packages and groceries, by allowing the use of pedal bikes that can be up to 48 inches wide and have up to four wheels. The expanded width and wheel clearance, along with the pedal assist feature, make cargo bikes easier to pedal while carrying heavy loads. Current rules restrict these machines to a maximum width of 36 inches without a fourth wheel.

“Safety and sustainability go hand in hand in New York City, and our department innovates every day and uses every tool available to promote both,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Freight bikes have been a valuable tool in our department’s efforts to move goods across the city while prioritizing street safety and our environment, and these pedal cargo bikes will help New Yorkers get the items they need while reducing carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and getting dangerous trucks off our streets.”

“Increased use of cargo bikes will bring incredible environmental and safety benefits to New York City by reducing the number of large, highly polluting trucks on our streets,” said New York Department of Transportation Commissioner Dannis Rodriguez. “Just two cargo bikes can replace a box truck, increasing safety and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 14 tons per year, which is equivalent to 30,872 passenger car miles traveled.”

Since the NYC DOT launched its Cargo Bike commercial pilot program in 2019, shipments of cargo bikes have increased dramatically in New York City. By 2022, cargo bikes have made more than 130,000 trips delivering more than 5 million packages, reducing more than 650,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions and proving effective as a last-mile delivery method. Based on trends in the freight delivery industry, the New York City Department of Transportation has determined that there are more unmet demands that could be addressed through this proposed rule change.

The pedal assist feature on these bikes only activates a small motor when users pedal. This technology is commonly used on today’s electric bike racks, as well as popular Citi Bike pedal-assist models.

How can I comment on the proposal?

The announcement of the proposed rule in the City Register on Monday began with a 30-day period for public comment. The New York City Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public hearing on the proposed rule. Members of the public may access and participate in this hearing online or by telephone. The public hearing will take place on September 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Anyone can submit written comments on the proposed rule as follows:

• websiteYou may submit feedback to the New York City Department of Transportation through the New York City Rules website http://rules.cityofnewyork.us
• e-mailYou may email comments to [email protected].
• mailYou may mail your comments to Diniece Mendes, New York City Department of Transportation, 55 Water Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10041
• faxYou may fax your comments to 212-839-7777.