NYC Cargo Bikes Could Get Bigger Under New City Rule

NEW YORK CITY — New York is putting the assisted pedal to the metal, pursuing plans to permit bigger commercial cargo bikes on city streets, officials said Monday.

The Transportation department will seek to authorize large pedal-assist bikes to make deliveries as part of a move to decrease truck traffic in New York City, the city announced.

“Safety and sustainability go hand in hand in New York City,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “These pedal-assist cargo bikes will help New Yorkers get the items they need while reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion."

The proposed rule would increase the maximum size of pedal-assist commercial bicycles from three wheels to four and from 36 inches wide to 48, making it easier for assisted cyclists to tote heavy loads.

The Transportation departments argues cargo bikes cut down on C02 emissions, cut costs in the freight industry and provide a safer alternative to sending trucks down small city streets.

Two bikes can replace one delivery truck with CO2 savings of approximately 14 tons a year, the eco-equivalent of planting 200 trees, the proposal notes.

Cargo bikes have become increasingly popular in New York City, delivering more than 5 million packages during about 130,000 trips in 2022, according to the Transportation department.

Monday's announcement in the City Record launches a 30-day public comment period capped by a virtual public hearing on Sept. 13 at 10 a.m.

New Yorkers can comment on the Transportation department website, via email sent to rules@dot.nyc.gov, a fax sent to (212) 839-7777 or a letter written to the following address:

Diniece Mendes
New York City Department of Transportation
55 Water Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10041

Supporters of the new pedal plan include borough presidents Mark Levine and Donavan Richards.

“Cargo-bikes are an increasingly important mode of freight and package delivery in New York City, helping to reduce the number of vehicles on the street as well as lower emissions on our roadways,” said Levine.

“Wider cargo bikes will allow them to be more widely used as well as safer to operate, and I applaud DOT for starting this rule making process.”