E-Bike Riders Ambushed On Queensboro Bridge, Police Say

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Robber are targeting e-bike riders crossing the East River on the Queensboro Bridge, with five robberies taking place on the span since October, police said.

Police from the NYPD's 19th Precinct recently conducted outreach on the bride to warn cyclists of a group of robbers who are attacking e-bike riders in order to steal the pricey bikes and riders' cellphones.

Cyclists have been punched, hit with bike locks and threatened with knives and guns during the robberies, the New York Daily News reported. Of the five robberies, four have occurred since the beginning of January. The latest robbery took place on the night of Feb. 15, according to the report.

Victims of the robberies have all been bike delivery workers, who favor e-bikes because they can reach higher speeds that conventional bicycles. E-bike riders also don't need to constantly pedal, which can be a relief for delivery workers putting in long hours

Despite the pros for delivery workers, e-bikes are not considered legal vehicles in New York City. A bill that would have legalized e-bike use across New York State was vetoed in December by Gov. Cuomo, who argued the lack of safety provisions rendered the legislation fatally flawed.

The Queensboro Bridge connects the Upper East Side of Manhattan to Long Island City, Queens over the East River.