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At the moment, all mopeds—including registered ones with license plates—are prohibited from using motor vehicle and protected bike lanes to cross the East River bridges.
That could soon change. As first reported by Streetsblog, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has proposed a new rule allowing mopeds on the Brooklyn Bridge and the lower level of the Queensboro Bridge. According to the outlet, the ban would remain in place for the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges, as well as the upper level of the Queensboro.
The reasoning behind the proposal is simple: with mopeds currently barred from bridge roadways, many riders resort to using bike paths illegally, creating hazardous conditions for cyclists. The city aims to address this issue by officially permitting mopeds on designated roadways, potentially reducing conflicts on bike lanes.
“There are barriers or bridge structures running along the Brooklyn Bridge and the lower roadway of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge that help protect riders in the event of a crash,” the DOT explained in the proposed amendment of rules when explaining the reasoning behind their bridge selection. “The configurations of the Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge and the upper roadway of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge do not provide the same protections.”
As for concerns about reckless driving, the DOT acknowledged that the speed limit on the bridges' roadways ranges from 30 to 35 miles per hour—faster than most mopeds can travel. However, data shows that "the traffic speeds on the lower roadway of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge are slower (including during the overnight hours) than those on the Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge and the upper roadway of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge.”
In terms of pricing, mopeds would be subject to the $4.50 daytime congestion fee that all motorcycles must pay when entering Manhattan below 60th Street.
For now, the plan remains in the proposal stage. The DOT is scheduled to hold a virtual public hearing on April 14 at 10am, where locals can share feedback. Learn more about it all right here.