New York City is in the middle of a transportation crisis. In just the past few years, our streets and sidewalks have been overrun by an explosion of two-wheeled, motorized vehicles—e-scooters, e-bikes, stand-up scooters, mopeds, and motorbikes. These vehicles may be a convenient mode of transportation for some, but they’re wreaking havoc on our commercial corridors, creating dangerous and chaotic conditions for everyone else.
Businesses are feeling the impact. From Astoria to Flushing, sidewalks and streets that once allowed shoppers to stroll safely have become obstacle courses where two-wheelers zip past at alarming speeds, weaving between pedestrians and cars with little regard for the rules of the road. When customers are concerned for their safety, they are less likely to visit, which hurts both business owners and the wider local economy. Haphazardly parked two-wheelers frequently block sidewalks and parking spaces in our commercial corridors, making it more difficult for customers to access our local businesses. This is especially true for seniors and individuals with mobility issues, who now have the added challenge of navigating around e-vehicles to shop at their favorite stores or eat at their favorite restaurants.
