Hundreds of e-bike advocates in Jersey City recently gathered to express their reservations about a proposed state bill that they believe could have detrimental effects on food delivery workers. While Senate bill 2292 aims to regulate low-speed electric bikes and scooters by requiring registration and insurance, the advocates argue that this will unfairly impact the livelihoods and safety of delivery workers.
Antonio Solis, representing Los Deliveristas Unidos, voiced his concerns that the proposed policies would be an “attack on the working class community.” As a delivery driver for a third-party food service company in Jersey City, Solis highlighted the already challenging circumstances faced by these workers. He emphasized that the companies often impose tight delivery schedules, forcing them to take significant safety risks.
The coalition of e-bike advocates, comprised of organizations focused on street safety, immigrant rights, social justice, and sustainable transportation, organized the rally to oppose the legislation. They argue that if the bill becomes law, it could result in more vehicles on already congested roads, discourage the use of eco-friendly transportation options, and disproportionately impact vulnerable communities.
Economics also play a role in the opposition to the bill. Karin Vanoppen, an e-bike delivery rider, pointed out the financial burden that registration and insurance would pose for workers like her. Vanoppen, who uses a “Level 1” e-bike, noted that some models have higher speeds and could pose a safety concern. However, she argued that penalizing all e-bike owners by requiring expensive registrations and insurance is unjust.
Elizabeth Adams from Transportation Alternatives warned that the bill could be detrimental to traffic safety and cited similar legislation in New York as a concerning precedent. John Boyle of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia warned that discouraging e-bike use could negatively impact tourism and hinder efforts to reduce carbon emissions by transitioning from cars to e-bikes.
While the proposed bill is under review by the Senate Transportation Committee, the e-bike advocates continue to voice their concerns and urge the defeat of the legislation. Their hope is to find a balance that addresses safety concerns while also supporting the livelihoods and accessibility of e-bike delivery workers.
