New York City Mayor Eric Adams has outlined a future-focused vision for the city, including the development of the USA’s first Department of Sustainable Delivery.
In response to the rise of e-bikes, mopeds, cargo bikes and other non-traditional transportation modes on New York City streets and sidewalks, the administration is in discussions with the New York City Council to create the New York City Department of Sustainable Delivery. The department will prioritize safety while harnessing the potential of these new forms of transportation.
As part of his third State of the City address on January 24, Adams said, “Public safety is also about safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and delivery workers. New Yorkers welcome the future of transit and new electronic technologies – but we cannot have mopeds speeding down our sidewalks and forcing people to jump out of the way. We must also protect the drivers and delivery workers who show up for New Yorkers at all times of day and in all kinds of weather.
“That is why we are in discussion with the City Council to create the Department of Sustainable Delivery, a first-in-the-nation entity that will regulate new forms of delivery transit and ensure their safety. We will combine work that is now spread over multiple agencies, establishing goals and guidelines on everything from traffic safety to corporate accountability — all while cutting down our city’s carbon footprint.”
According to Adams, the new department will also build on the work done to protect New Yorkers from the dangers of lithium-ion batteries. He said, “Our administration banned the sale of uncertified e-vehicles and refurbished batteries, but with the Department of Sustainable Delivery, we will be able to do much more, including educating riders and enforcing safety standards for lithium-ion batteries. New Yorkers must know that their city is looking out for them, because traffic safety is public safety.”