Dr. Alexander Reynolds
A recent pilot program in New York City allowing electric vehicles on park drives and greenways has generated mixed feelings among residents about safety. The “NYC Parks Electric Micromobility Pilot,” launched by Mayor Eric Adams in June 2023, received survey responses highlighting differing perceptions of safety on park drives and greenways. Approximately 54% of respondents indicated feeling safe and comfortable, while 45% expressed feeling unsafe or uncomfortable.
Among the safety concerns raised by participants in the survey, speeding vehicles, including electric bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters, were cited as the top issue. The pilot was specifically designed to examine the use of electric bikes and scooters in city parks’ greenways and drives, which serve as designated paths for various activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling.
The survey, conducted by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, gathered 5,826 responses from residents across the city. Manhattan residents comprised 37% of the respondents. Central Park emerged as the second most frequently visited park among participants, with Prospect Park taking the top spot. Central Park also received the second-highest number of safety concerns, totaling 506 mentions.
The main concerns highlighted by survey respondents included mopeds (38%), bikes not yielding to pedestrians (22%), and speeding (20%). Additionally, participants expressed unease about speeding e-bikes or e-scooters (79%), speeding mopeds (77%), and speeding bicycles (70%). Concerns over the lack of rule enforcement, people not paying attention, and the challenge of crossing greenways and park drives were also raised.
The Parks Department intends to utilize the survey findings to develop safety initiatives, interventions, and public education campaigns to address the voiced concerns, minimize conflicts arising from different park uses, and ensure public safety. By understanding the specific worries of park users and taking necessary steps to rectify them, the city aims to strike a balance between promoting micromobility options and maintaining a safe environment for all park visitors.
The pilot program allowing electric vehicles on park drives and greenways in New York City has generated mixed feelings about safety among residents. The survey conducted by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation received 5,826 responses from residents across the city. Approximately 54% of respondents indicated feeling safe and comfortable, while 45% expressed feeling unsafe or uncomfortable.
One of the top safety concerns raised by participants in the survey was speeding vehicles, including electric bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters. The pilot program specifically focused on examining the use of these electric vehicles in city parks’ greenways and drives, which are designated paths for various activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling.
The survey found that Manhattan residents made up 37% of the respondents, indicating a significant interest and concern among residents of this borough. Central Park ranked as the second most frequently visited park, with Prospect Park taking the top spot. Central Park also received the second-highest number of safety concerns, with a total of 506 mentions.
Among the concerns highlighted by the survey respondents were mopeds (38%), bikes not yielding to pedestrians (22%), and speeding (20%). The majority of participants expressed unease about speeding e-bikes or e-scooters (79%), speeding mopeds (77%), and speeding bicycles (70%). Other concerns raised included the lack of rule enforcement, people not paying attention, and the difficulty of crossing greenways and park drives.
In response to the survey findings, the Parks Department plans to develop safety initiatives, interventions, and public education campaigns. The aim is to address the voiced concerns, minimize conflicts arising from different park uses, and ensure public safety. By understanding the specific worries of park users and taking necessary steps to rectify them, the city aims to strike a balance between promoting micromobility options and maintaining a safe environment for all park visitors.
For more information about micromobility and the electric vehicle industry, you can visit websites such as International Energy Agency or Environmental and Energy Study Institute. These sources provide valuable insights into the market forecasts, industry trends, and issues related to electric vehicles and micromobility.
