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A07943 Memo:

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION
submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A7943
 
SPONSOR: Cunningham
  TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to establishing training courses for operators of bicycles with electric assist and electric scooters and for operators of bicycles   PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:: To establish mandatory training courses for operators of electric bicy- cles and scooters, promoting safe operation and adherence to traffic laws, and to recommend optional training courses for traditional bicycle riders.   SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:: Section 1 establishes a mandatory two-hour training course for operators of electric bicycles and scooters, available in-person and online. Topics shall include the relevant traffic laws and safe operation of e-bikes and scooters. The course may be administered by approved private entities or municipalities. E-bikes and scooters may not be purchased without registering for the course; sellers are responsible for requir- ing their purchasers to register before taking home their bike. Existing owners of electric bicycles and scooters must complete the training within one year of the act's effective date. Proof of completion is required to be carried while operating electric bicycles and scooters. Section 2 introduces an optional bicycle training course to be recom- mended for non-electric bicycle users. The course covers topics includ- ing bicycle laws, traffic behavior, hazard identification, safety meas- ures, bike maintenance, and injury prevention. Section 3 states that this act will take effect 180 days after it becomes law.   DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE): N/A   JUSTIFICATION:: According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, over the last five years, there have been 190,000 documented emergency room visits in the United States due to the use of e-scooters, hoverboards and e-bikes. In New York too, use of electric bicycles and scooters has been growing and there are serious safety concerns. In particular, improper operation of these bikes/scooters poses a great threat to road safety. There have been reports of e-bike operators not following rules of the road and running lights, going on the sidewalk, and other dangerous activities. Mandating a training course for electric bike operators ensures that they are well-informed about traffic laws and safety practices, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Similarly, traditional bicycle riders are recommended to take a course. We aim to create the streets in New York: operators traditional cyclists, pedestrians, foster responsi- ble ebike usage and incidents.a safer environment for everyone who shares of electric bicycles and scooters, and drivers. We hope that this training will ultimately reduce the number of preventable   PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:: New bill.   FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:: None.   EFFECTIVE DATE:: This act will take effect 180 days after it shall have become a law.
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