Central park safety concerns rise as E-bike riders defy regulations

NYPD data reveals a concerning trend: 33 crashes involving e-bikes and e-scooters occurred in the park through October 18th. Police have issued 144 e-bike tickets as of October 25th, a significant increase from the 39 issued a year prior. Park workers are struggling to enforce “no riding” zones, often met with defiance from riders.

One rider, when asked to stop in a restricted area, reportedly responded with a dismissive “Have a nice day.” Another rider ignored a request to slow down, prompting a bystander to comment on his lack of concern. Many observers attribute the speeding to delivery workers rushing to fulfill orders.

The NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance held a rally on Tuesday, calling for a ban on e-bikes in city parks. Joining the rally was Dave Katz, 71, who suffered severe injuries two years ago after being struck by an e-bike rider. “I had a concussion, two major gashes, one that they couldn’t stitch up. My nose was broken, I had broken teeth and six ribs broken,” Katz recounted, describing the lasting emotional impact of the incident.

Community Board 8 voted on October 21st to request a ban on all e-bikes in Central Park, with exceptions for pedal-assist models, as well as e-scooters and mopeds. The board’s request follows incidents like the one that left Jean Kotler, 43, with a traumatic brain injury after being hit from behind while jogging. The rider attempted to flee but was restrained by bystanders until emergency services arrived.

Despite the growing concerns, Mayor Zohran Mamdani ended criminal summonses for e-bike traffic violations in March, shifting enforcement to civil tickets. City Council Speaker Julie Menin removed e-bike registration from a safety package and deferred the issue to Albany, which has historically resisted such measures. A pilot program launched in 2023 allows e-bikes and e-scooters on park drives, alongside other greenways, but safety advocates argue the program is failing.

“They run all the lights,” stated Janet Schroeder, a spokeswoman for the e-vehicles safety alliance, emphasizing the park’s intended purpose as a place for relaxation, not transportation. A Parks Department spokesperson defended the pilot program, stating that it’s “critical that our public realm can safely accommodate the many diverse ways that New Yorkers get around,” while acknowledging that “reckless behavior is never permitted.” One rider, when confronted by a park worker, retorted, “I got to go to work, bro!”