Thursday, August 20, 2020

Media Release Transportation Chairman Rodriguez Will Introduce Legislation To Require Shared Moped Organizations To Apply For DOT Safety Certifications

 

Transportation Chairman Rodriguez Will Introduce Legislation To Require Shared Moped Organizations To Apply For DOT Safety Certifications 
(The Moped Safety & Oversight Bill)

  
Washington Heights, NY-- Today, August 20th, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chairman of the Transportation Committee held a press conference, alongside Congress Member Adriano Espaillat, to discuss legislation that seeks to increase the regulatory framework of Moped vehicles. Amidst the moped crashes, Congress Member Espaillat called for the immediate suspension of Revel, and Chairman Rodriguez called for additional regulations. The press conference was held at 96 Wadsworth Terrace, the site of the latest e-moped related fatal crash. The proposed legislation would "Require the Department of Transportation to establish procedures by which shared moped organizations may apply for approval to operate shared moped fleets in New York City." Additionally, the bill will seek to "Prohibit the unauthorized operation of shared moped fleets, and provides for the impoundment of such unauthorized vehicles." 
 
"As I have expressed, we last had a conversation with Revel on July 21st and our request for their current users and crash data remains unaddressed. To effectively address the issues related to mopeds, I have moved to draft legislation that will mandate DOT to establish procedures by which shared moped organizations may apply for approval and would have to comply with regulation in order to operate shared moped fleets in New York City. Among safety requirements would be implementing technology to ensure riders have a helmet on at all times. Throughout these past few weeks the City has seen 3 fatal crashes related to shared e-mopeds. It is clear that we need additional regulations that will increase the safety and oversight of shared moped organizations who wish to operate in the City," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chairman of The Transportation Committee. "The tragic deaths of Francis Nunez, Jeremy Malave, and Nina Kapur should incentivize us to increase safety and moped regulations to keep riders safe. I am proud to stand alongside Congressmember Adriano Espaillat who was the first to call for the immediate suspension of Revel. I look forward to working alongside DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, City Hall, Speaker Johnson, my colleague at the Council, Revel, and advocates to ensure we have the proper safety measures in place to keep riders safe."
  
"Proud to stand with Councilman Rodriguez today to continue our collective calls to ensure street safety and the overall safety of riders and the community as a whole," said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), who was the first elected official to call for the suspension of Revel services in the City earlier this summer. "I remain encouraged by my conversations with Revel and the plans underway at the company to improve safety standards. It will take each of us - city, state, local leaders and companies - working together to ensure proper oversight and accountability measures are in place for moped operators and riders."

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