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As Elon Musk looks on, Trump says he's giving DOGE even more power; Officials monitor latest AR bird flu outbreak; NV lawmaker proposes new date for Indigenous Peoples Day; NM lawmaker says journalists of all stripes need protection; Closure of EPA branch would harm VA environment.

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A court weighs the right of New York City noncitizens to vote in local elections, Vice President Vance suggests courts can't overrule a president, and states increasingly challenge the validity of student IDs at the ballot box.

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Medical debt, which tops $90 billion has an outsized impact on rural communities, a new photography book shares the story of 5,000 schools built for Black students between 1912 and 1937, and anti-hunger advocates champion SNAP.

NY Disability Advocates Seeking E-Bike Safety Measures

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Tuesday, June 20, 2023   

Some New York groups are taking action to reduce the number of disabled people being hurt in e-bike crashes. According to New York City's crash mapper, there have been more than 1,200 incidents of e-bike, motorbike and bicycle crashes in the past year. A petition by Pedestrians for Bike Safety to implement safer cycling conditions garnered almost 5,000 signatures.

Jeff Peters, director of communications, Center for Independence of the Disabled New York, said at least one safety solution should be taken before more people get hurt or killed.

"The people who are using these vehicles simply need to adhere to traffic safety laws," he said. "We can't have people going through stop signs," Peters implored. "We can't have people going through red lights. It is a danger in itself. That is one of the key items, enforcement of traffic laws."

The problem is not unique to New York City. Areas across the state are facing similar issues. A report from GoBike finds the number of crashes involving bicyclists in Erie and Niagara counties declined between 2017 and 2020, but increased slightly in 2021. Fatal crashes involving cyclists in the same area fluctuated during the same period.

E-Bikes and e-scooters have garnered mixed opinions for their benefits for climate goals, although others recognize the dangers they present. Along with traffic issues, New York City has seen fires from e-bike batteries grow from 44 in 2020 to 220 in 2022. Peters said the complete course of action is unknown, but part of it must include better education about e-bikes.

"We push for education about these situations, education on how to use these specific vehicles, as well as enforcement of the laws and safety measures around those vehicles," he said.

He added re-evaluations will be needed to see what further action needs to be taken. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has proposed an action plan including better education on traffic safety.

Disclosure: Center for Independence of the Disabled New York contributes to our fund for reporting on Disabilities. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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