The controversy surrounding New York City's impending 15-mile-per-hour cap on e-bike speeds presents two opposing viewpoints. One perspective supports a citywide cap for pedestrian safety, while another sees it as a tool for maintaining car dominance. Interestingly, despite a 17-percent official speed reduction by Citi Bike, data analysis indicates an average speed decrease of only 4 percent among e-Citi Bike rides during specific periods. This suggests that real-world impact may diverge from expectations based on policy changes.
The average decline in speed for e-Citi Bike rides turns out to be a mere 4 percent during June 20-30 vs. all of May.
Bauman recently scoured the only available dataset that could shine some light on the effect of a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit: the trip data published by Citi Bike operator Lyft.
I prefer a 15-mph limit in bike lanes and paths only, but nevertheless support it citywide to make 'traditional' pedal-cyclists and pedestrians safer.
Cut from 18 to 15 miles per hour is a 17-percent decrease in speed.
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