By Y.M. Lowy

New York City is making a major change in how it handles e-bike and bicycle violations. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that riders will no longer face criminal charges for low-level traffic offenses.

Until now, under the previous administration, e-bike riders and cyclists who broke traffic laws could end up in criminal court. Going forward, those same violations will result in civil summonses instead.

The change is meant to ease the burden on working New Yorkers, especially delivery workers who rely on bikes to make a living. Mayor Mamdani argued that criminal enforcement went too far for minor infractions and often impacted people trying to earn a paycheck.

Riders who break the rules will still be ticketed, just not criminally charged.

Alongside the policy shift, the mayor announced plans for a new safety training program aimed at delivery workers. The city will also work with the City Council on potential legislation targeting unsafe practices by third-party delivery app companies.