Disappointed, NYC 5 Borough Bike Tour

[elliot friedman]

I was thoroughly psyched to enter the NYC Bike Tour, but unfortunately, the rules on line stated "human powered bicycles only". So I called the organization to explain that my bike is only peddle assisted, but the woman on the other end confirmed that it wouldn't be allowed. I asked her if she had ever ridden an e-bike before. She said she had and really enjoyed it, but the rules are rules. Too bad, I was really looking forward to participating in it ever since my purchase last year. Perhaps someday soon.

elliot

 

[Deleted member 803]

While those that frequent this site and the very few who purchase ebikes believe in the momentum of eBike use, the industry is in its very early stage of sales growth and hence community acceptance. Of course this will erode with time as more sales occur but every new "thing" faces resistance and eBikes are no different. Why not trail the tour without actually participating in it. I miss NY.

 

[Dogtoes]

Free world....follow along and you will find a few riders that will engage you.....and you may even sway some

 

[Kurt in CT]

Like that advice! Follow....
Btw, another reason I'm for Ebike stealth design.... which I wanted but didn't get when I bought my bike. How cool is it if no one knows it's an E bike?

 

[christob]

Interesting... I just got a posting about an upcoming annual ride in May, for Washington, D.C. -- 20 mile route, with all the roadways on the route shut to vehicle traffic for the event... Their website FAQ says electric bikes aren't allowed, "unless they are pedal-assist for special needs"... I wrote them, explained I had an ebike that was pedal-assist only (ie, no throttle) but that it wasn't for any special needs I had -- and they replied that it would in fact be allowed.
(Of course if they'd said no, I probably would have still registered for the event -- sounds fun -- and just kept my battery in my pannier bag for the long ride home after the event, ending up riding the 20 mile event route as a unelectrified ebike and defending my position as needed

 

[Dogtoes]

This may not go with this post completely but in my area gas powered bikes are huge and are becoming a nuance to most people by those riders ignoring all traffic laws and common sense....if it continues,local police are pushing for more regulation for all powered bikes

 

[Over50]

This may not go with this post completely but in my area gas powered bikes are huge and are becoming a nuance to most people by those riders ignoring all traffic laws and common sense....if it continues,local police are pushing for more regulation for all powered bikes

I'm seeing more and more of these. Smelly, loud ....

 

[Chris Nolte]

Our store is on the route and I saw at decent amount of Ebikes last year on the tour. It’s really unfortunate that Bike New York is lagging in support of Ebikes. We’re making a lot of progress in NY without their help. It’s really unfortunate.

If I was going to ride I would ask forgiveness rather than permission.

 

[elliot friedman]

Chris, Kurt, after the mayor finally came to his senses, and made the decision yesterday "not to target peddle assist E-bikes in the city", maybe the "rules" for the tour will change next year.
I think I'll call again to see what they have to say.

 

[Kurt in CT]

Chris, Kurt, after the mayor finally came to his senses, and made the decision yesterday "not to target peddle assist E-bikes in the city", maybe the "rules" for the tour will change next year.
I think I'll call again to see what they have to say.

Hey Elliot. Hope you're right. Got to believe logic will prevail and it's just a matter of time!