NYC Council Speaker Adams, State Senator Comrie, and Southeast Queens Community Leaders Call for Better Operation of E-Scooter Share Program to Prioritize Equitable Access to[...]

Leaders demand safety improvements to prevent obstructions of sidewalks and streets, especially for older adults and residents with disabilities

Jamaica, NY - Today, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, State Senator Leroy Comrie, and community and civic leaders called for improvements to the NYC Department of Transportation's (DOT's) implementation of its E-Scooter Share program in Southeast Queens. They called for an operational pause of the program in Southeast Queens to properly address safety concerns that have gone unaddressed and negatively impacted neighborhood residents, particularly older adults and those with disabilities. In a letter to DOT earlier this week, Speaker Adams called for improved regulation and enforcement to ensure the program's implementation prioritizes accessible streetscapes for all residents to traverse, rather than creating inequitable outcomes.

Since DOT's launch of the E-Scooter Share program in June with private e-scooter companies Bird, Lime, and Veo, local residents have expressed concerns about the safety hazards that are created when e-scooters are left on sidewalks and streets, obstructing pedestrians and other road users. Scooters have often been left scattered in public and private spaces, obstructing driveways, sidewalks, and entry to homes, businesses, and places of worship. The frequent obstructions have led to safety concerns, especially for older adults and people with disabilities. The current system of parking corrals has been ineffective without effective enforcement by DOT and the private scooter companies.

Elected officials and community members highlighted problems with the program's implementation and called for DOT to take greater responsibility in holding the companies accountable for safety issues resulting from their operation.

Photos of the press conference can be found here.

"Alternative modes of transportation should equitably improve the ability for all residents to travel our streets, but our community has been alarmed by the safety hazards caused by the implementation of the Department of Transportation's E-Scooter Share program that undermines this outcome," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "Since the program's inception, e-scooters have been recklessly left on sidewalks and in front of homes, driveways, small businesses, senior centers, places of worship, and other community institutions. We are requesting a pause to reset and improve the operation of this program in Southeast Queens, addressing these outstanding issues. It is unnecessary and unacceptable to sacrifice the ability for some residents to travel through our neighborhood in order to increase transportation options. DOT can fix this by actively listening to residents, resolving concerns, and holding these private e-scooter companies accountable. I thank my colleagues in government, civic leaders, and community members for their work to ensure the safety of all Southeast Queens residents in traveling throughout our neighborhood."

"Since its introduction in Southeast Queens, the E-Scooter Share program has created disruptions that obstruct sidewalks impeding the accessibility of residents," said State Senator Leroy Comrie. "Scooters left scattered on sidewalks and roadways pose significant challenges for older adults, those with disabilities, and others attempting to navigate public spaces, frequently blocking driveways and even fire hydrants, which creates serious safety concerns. The program's implementation lacked adequate enforcement and oversight, leaving parts of our neighborhoods facing disorganization and safety hazards. We are calling on the NYC DOT and the program operators to take immediate action by pausing the program, developing a comprehensive strategy that includes community input to ensure a more responsible and equitable approach moving forward."

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