Citi Bike riders will soon need to verify they are 16 or older to use the service, following pressure from City officials concerned about underage riders and safety.
Why It Matters: The move comes as e-bike collisions have surged 30.1% citywide this year, with 480 incidents compared to 369 during the same period last year, per NYPD traffic data, as reported by Gothamist. City officials cite safety concerns, particularly regarding underage riders not using proper safety equipment.
Driving the News: First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro sent a letter to Lyft CEO David Risher on August 12, requesting age verification enforcement for the bike-sharing service, as detailed by letters provided by City Hall to Gothamist. Mastro threatened “appropriate steps to remedy the situation” if Lyft failed to act promptly.
What’s Next: Lyft, which operates Citi Bike, has agreed to implement an age verification system within three months, notes a letter from Michael Brous, Gothamist reports. The process will involve evaluating vendors, negotiating contracts, and establishing privacy protections for users.
State of Play: Citi Bike’s existing rules already require riders to be 16 or older, but no verification system has been in place. Lyft previously restricted Citi Bike e-bike speeds to 15 mph in June following administration demands, the outlet notes.
What They’re Saying: “Safety is our top priority,” said Citi Bike General Manager Patrick Knoth, according to Gothamist. “We’ll work with the First Deputy Mayor’s office to implement an age verification option that minimizes friction for riders while helping prevent underage riders from accessing the program.”
The Big Picture: While overall bicycle collisions have remained steady at about 2,500 incidents this year, according to NYPD data, the rise in e-bike accidents has prompted increased scrutiny.
