In a recent initiative,Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan has called for Lyft to implement an age verification program for Citi Bike users to ensure that riders under the age of 16 cannot rent bikes or establish accounts. This request is rooted in concerns raised by parents regarding the safety of young riders seen operating e-bikes in the city. Brannan emphasized the urgency of the situation in a letter addressed to Lyft’s CEO, David Risher, highlighting the potential risks posed to inexperienced younger riders, particularly in light of increasing e-bike accidents.
Brannan’s advocacy follows numerous complaints from concerned parents, who perceive the presence of underage riders on e-bikes as an accident waiting to happen. He expressed his determination to champion legislation if Lyft fails to voluntarily enact the requested measures, citing the need for preventive action before a serious incident involving a young rider occurs. Currently, while Citi Bike’s rental policy requires users to be at least 16 years old, there are no mechanisms in place to validate the age of new account holders, which poses a significant risk.
Under the existing framework, riders can easily create an account by merely entering their birthdate, allowing minors to rent bikes without any verification process. Brannan pointed out that this self-attestation system creates a loophole that could potentially allow a 14-year-old or even a younger child to gain immediate access to fast e-bikes, which can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. He argued that Lyft’s safety protocols for its rideshare service contrast sharply with the lack of verification in the bike-share program, calling attention to the need for consistency in safety measures across their platforms.
Moreover, Brannan referenced practices observed in other regions where Lyft operates bike-sharing systems. In Mexico City, for instance, users must scan an ID to verify their age when creating an account, while Lime, which manages electric scooters in specific parts of New York City, also enforces an age verification process. Notably, Lime requires users to be at least 18 and includes features that limit speeds for younger and less experienced riders, showcasing that there are established methods to enhance safety in shared transportation services.
Statistics further underscore the necessity of Brannan’s plea, as e-bike accidents in New York City have surged dramatically. In 2023, e-bikes accounted for 76% of cycling fatalities, signaling a worrying trend as the rate of fatal incidents involving e-bikes increased five-fold since 2019. Previous reports indicate that minors have already been involved in serious accidents while operating Citi Bikes, underscoring the immediate risks tied to unregulated access. Brannan recounted several specific incidents, further stressing the importance of implementing protective measures to avoid future tragedies.
In conclusion, Brannan’s request for Lyft to take immediate action to bridge the safety gap aligns with the broader goal of ensuring rider safety, especially for younger individuals. He urged Lyft to leverage their existing tools to mitigate these risks and proposed sharing crash data to better understand the demographic factors involved in accidents. While Lyft has acknowledged receipt of Brannan’s letter and is currently reviewing its content, the company’s response, along with any potential actions taken, remains to be seen.
