Establishes safety requirements for operators who use bicycles with electric assist for commercial purposes and the businesses that employ such operators.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A9805
SPONSOR: Zinerman TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to establishing
safety requirements for commercial bicycle operators and businesses
PURPOSE OF BILL:
This bill would require that businesses be responsible and provide safe-
ty requirements for their hired bicycle operators and both their compli-
ance with New York State's vehicle and traffic law.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1. of the vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new
section 1244
Sect. 1244. Bicycles with electric assist used for commercial purpose
a. "commercial bicycle operator" shall mean an individual who is paid to
operate a bicycle with electric assist on behalf of a business
Section 2. A commercial bicycle operator shall
a. Comply with all provisions of the law
b. Use white headlight and red taillight at night
c. Wear retroreflective upper body apparel with business's name and the
operator's three-digit identification number on the back in lettering at
least one inch high
d. Wear suitable headgear
e. Carry a business identification card at all times when riding on
behalf of the business
Section 3. Any business that employs a commercial operator shall:
a. Assign to each operator a three- digit identification number and
issue an identification card that contains the name, identification
number and photo of the operator and the name, address and telephone
number of such business
b. Provide suitable headgear
c. Maintain a roster of operators that are employed by such business
d. Equip each commercial bicycle with electric assist with
a. A bell or other audible device
b. White headlight and a red taillight
c. Reflex reflectors
d. Brakes
e. A metal or plastic sign at least 3 inches by 5 inches with the busi-
ness's name and a unique bicycle identification number for each bicycle
in lettering at least one inch high, must be affixed to the rear or both
sides of the bicycle
e. Provide safety training
Section 4. sets forth fines businesses must pay if the operator violates
the provisions of this law
Section 2 of the bill sets forth the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
By law, bicycles with electric assist on the roadway are vehicles with
the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. Commercial
electric assist Bicycles are frequently used for commuting in parts of
the city of New York, to go to work and to make deliveries. While this
can be an efficient means of cutting down on traffic many Commercial
electric assist bicyclists do not abide by the basic traffic laws, such
as obeying traffic signals, and one-way signs, riding with traffic and
avoiding riding on sidewalks.
This bill will hold the Businesses responsible for the bicycle with
electric assist operators violating the provisions of this law.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 2021:
New Bill
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Unknown at this time.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law; Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or
repeal of any rule or regulation' necessary for the implementation of
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
on or before such effective date.
