The department is designed to help the city regulate small delivery vehicles, manage curb space and congestion, and prepare for new technology like delivery drones.
A brand new municipal department will regulate New York City’s delivery bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and other small devices.
John Surico, writing in Bloomberg CityLab, notes that the popular delivery vehicles have spurred debate even as they help reduce carbon emissions in the city. “Debates rage around pedestrian and rider safety, the risks posed by e-bike battery fires and the rights of delivery workers.”
The department will coordinate regulations and enforcement and collect data to understand future needs. “In an interview with Bloomberg CityLab, Meera Joshi, the city’s deputy mayor for operations, said the newly created entity will be a way for the city to amplify the industry’s positives while mitigating the negative effects — and ensuring that New Yorkers don’t lose their all-important access to 24/7 takeout.”
The city will convene a task force to draft the office’s mission statement with input from industry professionals and labor groups.
FULL STORY: New York City Set to Launch ‘Department of Sustainable Delivery’
NYC Outdoor Dining Could Get a Re-Do
The city council is considering making the al fresco dining program year-round to address cost concerns from small businesses.
NYC E-Scooter Program Threatened Despite High Ridership
Rental scooters in Queens and the Bronx provided close to two million trips in 2024, with many trips starting or ending near transit. Some city officials want to remove them.
NYC Launches ‘Smart Curbs’ Program
The pilot program on the Upper West Side will remove some curbside parking spots to replace them with public seating, bike racks, and delivery zones.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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