Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Today's Headlines

Tuesday’s Headlines: Gale Force Winds Change Direction Edition

Gale Brewer walked back her support for blanket DMV registration of all e-bikes. Plus more news.

Photo: Dave Colon|

Brewer at a rally against bus lanes earlier this year.

"Sike!"

Streetsblog reported on Oct. 8 that Council Member Gale Brewer had changed her position e-bike registration when she endorsed a state-level bill known as "Priscilla's Law" to require license plates for every single e-bike.

But Brewer's now off that bandwagon, apparently, after writing in a newsletter to constituents last week that she "wasn't clear enough" with Streetsblog's Sophia Lebowitz in the multiple times the two spoke after Brewer told a town hall in September that she supported state-level e-bike registration.

In fact, Brewer opposes both the city-level and state-level version of "Priscilla's Law," she said in her newsletter last week. She called registered every e-bike "a massive task." She instead supports Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal's bill requiring the DMV registration of commercial e-bikes only.

"Too many people have been hurt directly, and many more have been scared by delivery e-bikes — it’s a real quality of life issue. But the challenge here is establishing rules that are enforceable, and don’t discourage ridership as an alternative to cars," Brewer wrote.

Brewer still backs MAGA Council Rep. Vickie Paladino's similarly impractical bill to ban anyone on an e-bike from city parks, however. You can read Streetsblog's original story here.

In other news:

  • Two City Council members spoke out against the city's outdated parking minimums in an amNY op-ed.
  • An NJ Transit train operator died and 20 people were injured after their train collided with a downed tree. (Gothamist, NY Post)
  • MTA declares mission accomplished after latest bus fare enforcement blitz. (NY Post)
  • Is the MTA popular now? Gothamist thinks so.
  • NY1 couldn't find a single "scattered" or unsafely ridden e-scooter to back up Adrienne Adams and company's anti-micromobility "quality of life" gripe-fest. They did find someone who loves the program, wants it to be expanded and hopes his fellow riders follow the rules.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Speeding Senior Kills Self and Two Pedestrians in Astoria

The Queens crash is another reminder that speed kills — and that the city has the power to lower its speed limit.

August 12, 2025

Vital ‘Lifeline’ or Blatant Ripoff? Instacart Makes Groceries 75% More Expensive

Instacart is arguing that its services are a lifeline to low income New Yorkers, but the app makes groceries 75 percent more expensive.

August 12, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Badge Idea Edition

President Trump took over policing in one of America's most important cities yesterday. Plus other news.

August 12, 2025

A Crucial Course Correction Shows the MTA is Thinking Big For the IBX

Gov. Hochul and the MTA’s decision to route the new transit line under a cemetery should mean faster, better service.

August 11, 2025

The MTA Will Untangle a Notorious Subway Snarl in Brooklyn, But First It Must Decide How

"We want to make sure we have the most cost-effective scope for the Sixth and 63rd project," said one MTA official.

August 11, 2025
See all posts