NYC proposes use of larger cargo bikes to reduce delivery trucks

NEW YORK — New York City is taking steps to authorize the use of larger pedal-powered cargo bikes, Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez announced Monday.

The proposed rule, which would allow the use of these cargo bikes, is designed to make deliveries safer and more sustainable by reducing the number of delivery trucks on the streets of the Big Apple.

This would expand low or zero emission options for cargo deliveries, including packages and groceries, by allowing the use of pedal-assist bicycles that can be up to 48 inches wide and have up to four wheels. The expanded width and wheel clearance, combined with the pedal assist feature, make cargo bikes easier to pedal while carrying heavy loads. Current rules restrict such devices to a maximum width of 36 inches without a fourth wheel.

“Safety and sustainability go hand in hand in New York City, and our administration innovates every day and uses every tool available to promote both,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Cargo bikes have been a valuable tool in our administration’s efforts to move goods across the city while prioritizing safety on the streets and our environment, and these pedal-assist cargo bikes will help New Yorkers get the items they need while reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion and getting dangerous trucks off our streets.”

“Increased use of cargo bikes will bring incredible environmental and safety benefits to New York City by reducing the number of large, highly polluting trucks on our streets,” said New York Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez. “Just two cargo bikes can replace a box truck, increasing safety and reducing CO2 emissions by 14 tons per year, which is equivalent to 30,872 passenger car miles traveled.”

Since NYC DOT launched its Commercial Cargo Bike pilot program in 2019, cargo bike deliveries have increased significantly in New York City. By 2022, cargo bikes have made more than 130,000 trips delivering more than 5 million packages, resulting in the reduction of more than 650,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions and proving effective as a last-mile delivery mode. Based on trends in the freight delivery industry, the NYC DOT has determined that there is even more unmet demand that could be addressed through this proposed rule change.

The pedal assist feature on these bikes activates a small motor only when users are pedaling. The technology is commonly used by existing electric bike racks, as well as Citi Bike’s popular pedal-assist models.

How can I comment on the proposal?

The announcement of the proposed rule in the City Register began Monday with the 30-day public comment period. NYC DOT will hold a virtual public hearing on the proposed rule. Members of the public may access and participate in this hearing online or by telephone. The public hearing will take place on September 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Anyone may provide written comments on the proposed rule as follows:

• Website: You can submit comments to the NYC DOT through the NYC rules website at
• Email: You can send comments by email to [email protected].
• Mail: You may mail your comments to Diniece Mendes, New York City Department of Transportation, 55 Water Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10041
• Fax: You can fax your comments to 212-839-7777.