DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING IS JUST MY OPINION.
Re that NYC crackdown on e-bikes - if it were about keeping citizens safer on the streets, they would have done what other cities have done, and put in bike lanes and promoted awareness. Even in Indy, things have gotten much better for cyclists in the last five years or so. Problematic bike lanes were straightened out; awareness of cyclists among motorists has increased noticeably, and as a result I have seen many more cyclists in most areas in Indy. That is one reason why I do not believe their making e-bikes illegal is for safety alone (since a fit cyclist on a quality track bike or recumbent can easily go as fast as an e-bike on a city street).
I think it is about raising money. Fines from citations and proceeds from impound auctions bring in money. I do not know if an economic decline in tax revenue is causing a budget shortfall, but if it is, there are better and more honest ways to both save, and raise, money. In other words, there are ways which would show support for safety of alternative transportation that would also engender goodwill among citizens, rather than banning something that is well-liked and affordable which the state's legislative, and law enforcement, support could make safer with the right actions. I don't really think this crackdown is fooling very many people.
Re that NYC crackdown on e-bikes - if it were about keeping citizens safer on the streets, they would have done what other cities have done, and put in bike lanes and promoted awareness. Even in Indy, things have gotten much better for cyclists in the last five years or so. Problematic bike lanes were straightened out; awareness of cyclists among motorists has increased noticeably, and as a result I have seen many more cyclists in most areas in Indy. That is one reason why I do not believe their making e-bikes illegal is for safety alone (since a fit cyclist on a quality track bike or recumbent can easily go as fast as an e-bike on a city street).
I think it is about raising money. Fines from citations and proceeds from impound auctions bring in money. I do not know if an economic decline in tax revenue is causing a budget shortfall, but if it is, there are better and more honest ways to both save, and raise, money. In other words, there are ways which would show support for safety of alternative transportation that would also engender goodwill among citizens, rather than banning something that is well-liked and affordable which the state's legislative, and law enforcement, support could make safer with the right actions. I don't really think this crackdown is fooling very many people.
