NYC's DOT: Cargo Bikes Regulations

It is hard to argue against the cost benefits of using bicycles for local deliveries/pick ups. They are fast: faster than walking, waiting for trains, or driving. They are relatively inexpensive compared to buying, insuring, and maintaining a car. The same can be said for the price of top of the line bikes compared to continually buying monthly metro cards. That will cost your roughly $116.00 per month, per employee. Most major cities (including some smaller ones) are re-evaluating their cities position on biking and commercial biking. A good deal of public awareness is spreading, and you can see that bike lanes are becoming more available throughout the country. New York City's department of transportation (DOT) has been coming up with regulations to help cater to a growing trend while also keeping bikers safe.

First and foremost, if you want to make your commercial bicyclist legal, each and every cyclist must take and pass a commercial bicyclist safety course. This course goes over the most important information about the responsibilities of the rider and of the employer. It covers safe biking and proper biking gear. Once the course is passed, and it can be taken online at the DOT website, the rider can be legally added to the riding roster for the company. As an employer, it's a good idea to take the course as well, so that you can know what is expected of you.

DOT also provides a commercial biking safety poster. This poster has the most valuable information regarding bike safety and gear. It is required by law that this poster is clearly visible and also must be near where the bikes are stored.

The city has created rules for companies and bikers, and these rules, if broken, are punishable by fines. It is easy to avoid these fines if you and your staff are well versed on the must current rules and regulations. The laws are put in place to provide a safe environment for riders, pedestrians, and automobiles.

It is important to stay up on changes to regulations because they are subject to change. As of April 23rd, 2013, new legislation was passed by the City Council. This includes changes to the apparel worn by operators of bicycles, bike safety, commercial bike enforcement, and record keeping. If you are looking for more information, the DOT posts full definitions of legislation on their website. Continually check the DOT website for updates.

Cargo Bikes

Getting cargo bikes for your company can help you to save money and time.

• Top US Cities for Biking
  For most cargo bike riders, it is important to live in an area where they can transport their cargo securely.
• History of Biking in NYC