FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | June 11, 2025
Press Contact: Mus Lamia | mlamia@council.nyc.gov
Legislation would require all micromobility share systems to clearly display traffic and safety rules and require annual review of rules for users
City Hall, NY – Today, Council Member Shahana Hanif introduced new legislation, Intro 1304, aimed at enhancing bike safety for users of Citi Bike and other micromobility share programs across New York City. The proposed bill would require operators of shared bicycle and scooter systems to prominently display essential traffic and bicycle safety rules on both their mobile applications and at physical docking or rental stations. To reinforce user awareness, the legislation also would require riders to review these safety rules at least once a year before unlocking or activating a micromobility vehicle.
As bike ridership reaches record highs, the city’s cycling infrastructure continues to fall short of demand. New York City is experiencing a troubling rise in bike-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities. This legislation addresses these safety concerns by emphasizing education and shared responsibility among cyclists who use our streets, aiming to familiarize themselves with proper road markings and road cycling etiquette.
The initiative builds on growing community momentum for safer, more equitable cycling infrastructure. In Council Member Hanif’s district, residents have repeatedly called for enhanced bike safety and education through forums like the Participatory Budgeting Ideas Collection.
Under the proposed legislation, micromobility operators will be required to display safety rules consistent with the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, the New York City Administrative Code, and all applicable local regulations. At a minimum, these rules must include:
● Yielding to pedestrians;
● Obeying stop signs, red lights, and pedestrian control signals;
● Riding in the direction of traffic; Guidelines for riding on sidewalks, streets, and bicycle lanes;
● Use of bells or audible signals;
● Restrictions on wearing earphones or devices that impair hearing;
● Maintaining safe operating speeds; and
● Any additional rules as determined by the Commissioner of Transportation.
The bill was co-introduced by Transportation and Infrastructure Chair and Majority Whip Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers and Council Members Gale Brewer and Lincoln Restler.
“Bikeshare programs, like Citi Bike, are transforming how New Yorkers move throughout our City, giving more people access to affordable, sustainable transportation. However, as bike ridership reaches record highs, so do bicycle fatalities and injuries, making safety a top priority,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif, Co-Chair of the Progressive Caucus. “I’m proud to introduce this bill, which will ensure that all riders have clear, consistent access to the rules of the road right at their fingertips. By reinforcing safety education and shared responsibility, we’re taking a critical step toward preventing injuries and saving lives.”
“As Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I’m proud to co-introduce this legislation to improve micromobility safety and promote a culture of shared responsibility on our streets,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “By requiring clear, consistent communication of traffic safety rules, we can help prevent injuries and save lives—particularly as e-bike and scooter usage continues to grow. Micromobility safety and infrastructure is a critical priority of my committee, and this bill will complement my legislation Intro 1131, to launch a taskforce for e-bike safety and street design. I commend Council Member Shahana Hanif for her leadership on this important issue.”
ters to get around, we have a shared responsibility to make sure these modes of transportation are as safe as possible—for riders and for everyone else using our streets,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “This bill is a smart and necessary step toward improving user education and accountability. It complements legislation I’ve introduced, Int. 1145, which would require speedometers on shared micromobility devices and cap assisted speed for new riders at 10 miles per hour. Together, these bills aim to create a safer, more predictable environment on our streets and help new riders build good habits from the start.”
“With Citi Bike installations throughout the city, half of which are devoted to e-bikes with their fast acceleration, silent operation and high speed, we think it is essential that rules of the road are clearly communicated. Safety must be the priority on display,” said Good Neighbors of Park Slope. “Good Neighbors of Park Slope is extremely concerned about bikes and e-bikes riding on sidewalks, going through red lights, riding against traffic and otherwise endangering pedestrians. Many of our members have experienced close call and that is what generates our call for action.”
“As more and more New Yorkers use Citi Bike and other micromobility programs, the rules of the road should be easily understandable and made clear to all,” said Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. “We support Council Member Hanif’s bill to provide precisely that education, which will help our streets be safe for everyone.”
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About Council Member Shahana Hanif: Council Member Shahana Hanif represents Brooklyn’s 39th District and is Co-Chair of the New York City Council’s Progressive Caucus and the Council’s Task Force to Combat Hate. Born and raised in the 39th District to Bangladeshi immigrant parents, Council Member Hanif has dedicated her career to advocating for working-class families and advancing a city built on
care, equity, and safety. Since her election in 2021, Council Member Hanif has passed significant legislation, including Local Law 85 (2023), which mandates universal residential composting; Local Laws 75 and 76 (2022), which protect and expand abortion rights in NYC; and Local Law 161 (2023), which created a pioneering Immigrant Workers Bill of Rights. She also enacted Local Law 45 (2024),
providing survivors of domestic violence with free lock changes, personal safety alarms, and door and window repairs. Council Member Hanif is the first Muslim woman ever elected to the New York City Council and the first woman to represent the 39th District in the New York City Council.