NYC to deploy ‘peace officers’ to address unsafe moped and e-bike riding by delivery workers

New York City plans to hire a new class of officers to address unsafe moped and e-bike riding by delivery workers. Mayor Eric Adams on Monday announced the Department of Sustainable Delivery (DSD), a new unit within the Department of Transportation (DOT), that will enforce against illegal moped, e-bike, and e-scooter use. Secured as part of Adams’ Fiscal Year 2026 budget, new funding will hire up to 45 unarmed “peace officers” to issue moving violations and enforce commercial cycling laws against businesses. The city said the peace officers would be deployed in 2028.

The DSD team will supplement enforcement currently handled by the NYPD and will be deployed in bike teams at safety hotspots across the city. The peace officers will work alongside the DOT’s Vision Zero Street Team to engage with street users, promote the safe and legal operation of vehicles, and educate the public about the leading causes of traffic crashes.

“The newly created Department of Sustainable Delivery is yet another step that we’re taking to support delivery workers, keep pedestrians safe, and hold delivery app companies accountable for placing unrealistic expectations on their workers that put New Yorkers in harm’s way,” Adams said.

First announced in the mayor’s 2024 State of the City address and submitted in draft form to the City Council nine months ago, the proposed legislation would give the city the power to revoke the licenses of delivery apps that incentivize reckless e-bike riding by requiring workers to meet unrealistic delivery times.

The proposed department has been the subject of negotiations between the mayor and the Council since a draft bill was released earlier this year, according to Streetsblog.

Council Member Gale Brewer told Streetsblog she was unaware there would be funding for the new department in the budget.

“We didn’t know anything about it, that it was going to be in the budget. It was a little off the rails,” Brewer said. “I don’t know any details at all. I always check with the deliveristas because I want them to be okay. I am not supportive of criminal penalties.”

The DSD continues the Adams administration’s crackdown on unsafe e-bike and moped riding. In June, Adams proposed a 15 miles per hour speed limit for e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal-assisted commercial bikes on city streets—a cap already in place for stand-up scooters and enforced in other parts of the world.

In response, Lyft, the parent company of Citi Bike, has capped the speed of its e-bikes at 15 mph.

This proposal also expands on Adams’ “Charge Safe, Ride Safe Action Plan,” which encourages the use of legal e-micro mobility options and aims to increase e-bike access throughout the five boroughs.

“New Yorkers are receiving more deliveries than ever before, and this must happen in a safe and orderly fashion that protects everyone who shares our streets. This new Department of Sustainable Delivery will help us crack down on a range of illegal behavior and hold delivery apps accountable,” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said.

“DOT is taking a holistic approach to traffic safety through better street design, education, and now, a new dedicated enforcement team. We continue to call on the City Council to pass comprehensive legislation to support this new department and maximize its potential to bring order to the delivery business and our streets.”

RELATED:

Get Insider Updates with Our Newsletter!