Mopeds and motorized scooters have, in some instances, taken over New York City’s bike and pedestrian paths. As a result, they have caused not-so-unexpected dangers for the people that these narrow paths are really meant to serve.
While illegally muscling in on these transportation routes, drivers of motorized scooters and mopeds pose hazards that could lead to serious injuries to bicyclists and pedestrians. A brushing glance from a scooter may lead to a terrible spill for a bicyclist. And the results of a direct hit? Serious and avoidable injuries if these motorized vehicles stayed off these paths.
Illegal to drive moped in NYC bike lanes
The get-out-of-my-way attitude of some of these often-speeding drivers continues to be an anathema for cyclists and pedestrians. While people may legally drive electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) on bike lanes, it is against the law to ride a moped in a bike lane.
Any crash at any location between a motorized scooter or moped and cyclist or pedestrian can have tragic consequences.
In June, actress Lisa Banes died 10 days after being struck by a scooter in a hit-and-run collision as she crossed the street in Manhattan. Authorities in August arrested a 26-year-old man, who allegedly ran a red light before striking the victim. The man faces charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, failure to exercise due care and failure to yield to a pedestrian.
Paths, lanes meant as sanctuaries
As if pedestrians and cyclists do not already have enough safety matters to worry about. Bike lanes and pedestrian paths remain sanctuaries for the two groups. These lanes and paths can do without the illegal invasion from a motorized vehicle.
