Future of Fast Package Delivery is by Pedaling?

DOT Approves E-Cargo Bikes on City Streets

A photo of an E-Cargo Bike delivery rider as the pilot program has been approved and will expand across the city. -Photo courtesy of the New York City Department of Transportation.

By David Greene

Manhattan Voice

April 15, 2024

MANHATTAN - The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved E-Cargo bikes on city streets after establishing new safety standards and guidelines.

DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced that the agency has approved the use of E-Cargo bikes and establishing key safety standards that will make bike deliveries safer and reduce the number of large delivery trucks.

Upon the announcement Mayor Eric Adams said, "For too long, large trucks have been the only option, bringing congestion and pollution with them. Low and no-emission cargo bikes are one of the ways that we're changing the paradigm."

Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi added, "The pandemic fundamentally changed the way we shop; now, 80% of us get at least one package delivered a week."

Rodriguez said, "Achieving a safer and greener transportation future includes reducing the number of large, high-polluting trucks on our streets." He added, "Authorizing these new delivery options will better protect our environment and all road users."

The new rules allow pedal-assisted electric-cargo bicycles up to 48 inches wide and have up to four wheels. The DOT will provide bike operators with safety training on operating and maintaining the bikes as well as battery charging.

The new rules will also establish a "Commercial Bicycle Loading Zone" creating a dedicated space for bikers to load and unload packages, groceries and other items at the curb.

Jordan River of Norwood said of the E-Cargo Bike expansion, "It is a problem. I see people riding them downtown in Manhattan all the time."

The DOT launched its Commercial Cargo Bike pilot program in 2019. In 2022 the DOT says cargo bikes made more than 130,000 trips, delivering over 5 million packages that they estimate resulted in the reduction of 650,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions.

E-Cargo Bike riders will have to adhere to several new regulations including a 15 mile-per-hour speed limit the bikes cannot be left unattended on a sidewalk. The new maximum length of a bike allowed was increased to 16 feet and the maximum height was raised to 84 inches.