New York City's new Department of Sustainable Delivery will hire 45 unarmed officers to enforce laws against e-bike and moped delivery workers. Mayor Eric Adams emphasizes this initiative aims to enhance street safety and hold gig economy companies accountable for unrealistic expectations on workers. However, advocates fear this move represents scapegoating of micromobility users, leading to increased scrutiny of low-income workers facing harsh conditions. The specifics of how officers will identify reckless riders versus those meeting tight delivery schedules remain unclear, adding to concerns about the policy's implications for urban cyclists.
Mayor Eric Adams claims that the Department of Sustainable Delivery will support delivery workers, enhance pedestrian safety, and hold delivery app companies accountable for pressure on gig workers.
Critics argue that the initiative risks increased surveillance and policing of low-income, often immigrant workers, already under strain from unrealistic delivery expectations imposed by gig economy apps.
Details regarding how officers will differentiate between reckless riders and those simply trying to meet strict delivery times imposed by apps remain unclear, raising concerns about enforcement.
The imposition of a 15 mph speed limit on e-bikes overlooking the challenges of urban riding further fuels concerns of scapegoating micromobility users instead of addressing real issues.
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