Speed limits are a crucial aspect of road traffic safety, and apply to all motorbikes, scooters, and automobiles on the road. Speeding is one of the top causes of collisions and fatalities, and obeying a posted limit is very important to avoid this. A new speed limit is hitting one category of road users this month, but the public worries that this is not enough.
The impact of speeding in New York City
Driving too fast in New York, like anywhere else in the country, has detrimental effects. Driving at a higher speed, no matter what vehicle you are using, is directly linked to slower reaction time, making it harder to stop in the case of an emergency.
Crashes that occur at higher speeds also lead to far more severe injuries and are more likely to cause fatalities. In a city like New York with such a large population, more road users are at risk from reckless speeders, as roads are busier with both vehicles and pedestrians. Driving at the limit is a way to ensure you are aware of your surroundings and can react promptly if need be.
While limits are set in place based on engineering studies, road type, location, and many other factors, there are some speed limits that are called into question as to whether or not they are truly aiding road safety. One such limit that the public is questioning is the new e-bike speed limit that is being brought into NYC.
The new E-bike speed limit in New York City
E-bikes are a fairly new addition to the roads in comparison to cars and motorbikes, but should not be exempt from road rules or speed limits simply because of their novelty. So, in an official statement from New York City, there will be a new 15mph limit for e-bike road-users. Mayor Adams explains:
“This new 15 miles-per-hour speed limit for e-bikes is about keeping New Yorkers safe while continuing to keep our city moving. As more New Yorkers turn to e-bikes and e-scooters to get around our city, New Yorkers have asked us to set clear, consistent rules to address this issue and protect everyone.”
This 15mph limit will apply to e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal-assist commercial bikes that use the city’s bike lanes, to ensure all road users follow the regulations. But despite having the public’s best interest at heart, with various new rules like an updated points system for traffic offences, there has been some backlash about the e-bike limit, from individuals who believe that speeding cars should be the focus of New York traffic officials, as these vehicles are what cause the most damage.
Should the limit for cars be adjusted as well?
This e-bike speed limit may be coming at an insensitive time, as numerous complaints about truck and SUV speeds have been submitted to the NYC Traffic Department, which seem to be going unnoticed or ignored.
In reality, while e-bike riders may be acting recklessly, the majority of road fatalities occur due to high-speed cars, not electric bikes in the bike lane. So why not address the most pressing issue? This is what NYC citizens are confused about. Considering the good that e-bikes are doing for the environment, one would think that NYC focuses more on the dangers of larger vehicles before more fatalities occur.
While speed limits might not be getting reduced for larger vehicles, lots of changes are coming to the roads of New York, including a future of autonomous public transport, as the city focuses on the safety of its citizens as well as the sustainability of its road users. This e-bike law will certainly make the bike lane safer in the city, which is definitely a step in the right direction.
