Dr. Alexander Reynolds
New York City is taking proactive measures to enhance the safety of e-bike riders with its newly launched “Get Smart Before You Start” campaign. Mayor Eric Adams and City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez are spearheading this multi-platform marketing initiative to educate New Yorkers on the proper operation of e-bikes.
One of the main driving forces behind this campaign is the alarming fact that e-bikes were involved in 76 percent of cycling fatalities in 2023, according to data from the NYC DOT. With the increasing popularity of e-bikes, it has become imperative to address the need for education and safety measures specific to these vehicles.
The campaign employs various communication channels such as TV, radio, print, digital news outlets, social media, subway ads, and LinkNYC kiosks to reach the target audience effectively. Through instructive visuals and audio, the campaign aims to educate riders on important aspects of safe e-bike operation, including proper acceleration, braking, and maintaining an appropriate speed.
In addition to advertising efforts, the NYC DOT’s Safety Education and Outreach Unit will also conduct direct community education to assist new riders in understanding the expectations and challenges of operating an e-bike.
The “Get Smart Before You Start” campaign aligns with NYC DOT’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and enforcement to better accommodate e-bike users while curbing dangerous behaviors on the road. The city has witnessed a record-high bike ridership, and the agency is committed to fostering a safe and sustainable environment for all road users.
This million-dollar campaign is part of NYC DOT’s Vision Zero expense budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which amounts to $280 million. It also aligns with the agency’s 10-year capital plan of $7.7 billion for Vision Zero-related projects.
By focusing solely on e-bikes, this campaign marks a significant milestone in the history of Vision Zero strategies. Its development is rooted in extensive market research and guided by crash data, revealing that traditional bike fatalities reached an all-time low in 2023, while the miles of protected bike lanes reached unprecedented heights.
Furthermore, NYC DOT has demonstrated its commitment to improving the charging infrastructure for e-bikes. The agency recently launched a six-month pilot program to test public e-bike charging stations, aiming to provide safe and affordable charging options for all New Yorkers, particularly delivery workers.
Moreover, NYC DOT is actively advocating at the state level to expand its automated enforcement programs. The agency has successfully partnered with state legislators to expand the speed camera program, which resulted in a significant reduction in speeding-related incidents and injuries.
In the current legislative session, NYC DOT is working closely with state lawmakers to renew and expand its red light camera program and crack down on drivers repeatedly caught running red lights. Additionally, the agency is collaborating with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to combat double parking and blocked bike lanes through the use of bus-mounted cameras.
Through these comprehensive efforts, New York City is demonstrating its commitment to promoting safer e-bike operation and creating roadways that prioritize the well-being of all road users. The “Get Smart Before You Start” campaign is an important step towards achieving this objective and ensuring the continued growth of e-bikes as a safe and sustainable mode of transportation.
The e-bike industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an increasing number of people opting for e-bikes as a form of transportation. According to market forecasts, the global e-bike market is projected to reach a value of $23.83 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2019 to 2025.
However, along with this growth comes the need for education and safety measures specific to e-bikes. The “Get Smart Before You Start” campaign launched by New York City aims to address this need and enhance the safety of e-bike riders. With e-bikes being involved in 76 percent of cycling fatalities in 2023, it is crucial to educate riders on proper operation and ensure their safety on the roads.
The campaign utilizes various communication channels, such as TV, radio, print, digital news outlets, social media, subway ads, and LinkNYC kiosks. Through instructive visuals and audio, the campaign aims to educate riders on important aspects of safe e-bike operation, including acceleration, braking, and maintaining an appropriate speed.
In addition to advertising efforts, the campaign is supported by the NYC DOT’s Safety Education and Outreach Unit, which conducts direct community education to assist new riders in understanding the expectations and challenges of operating an e-bike.
The “Get Smart Before You Start” campaign is part of NYC DOT’s larger commitment to enhancing infrastructure and enforcement measures for e-bike users. The city has witnessed a record-high bike ridership, and the agency is dedicated to creating a safe and sustainable environment for all road users.
To support the growth of e-bikes, NYC DOT is also improving the charging infrastructure for these vehicles. The agency recently launched a pilot program to test public e-bike charging stations, providing safe and affordable charging options for all New Yorkers, especially delivery workers who rely on e-bikes for their livelihood.
Moreover, NYC DOT is actively advocating at the state level to expand its automated enforcement programs. The agency has successfully partnered with state legislators to expand the speed camera program, resulting in a significant reduction in speeding-related incidents and injuries. It is also working closely with state lawmakers to renew and expand its red light camera program to address drivers repeatedly running red lights. Additionally, the agency is collaborating with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to combat issues like double parking and blocked bike lanes through the use of bus-mounted cameras.
These comprehensive initiatives demonstrate New York City’s commitment to promoting safer e-bike operation and creating roadways that prioritize the well-being of all road users. The “Get Smart Before You Start” campaign is a crucial step towards achieving this objective and ensuring the continued growth of e-bikes as a safe and sustainable mode of transportation.
For more information on the e-bike industry and related topics, you can visit the following links:
– E-bikes market forecast and statistics
– NYC DOT’s Vision Zero initiatives
– NYC DOT’s annual report
– NYC DOT’s e-bike charging pilot program
