A councilman has declared war on the latest scourge of New York City’s crowded streets — electric bikes.
Dan Garodnick (D-Manhattan) wants to put the brakes on the motorized bikes — the latest craze among Chinese-food deliverers — by doubling their fines for all traffic violations.
“These bicycles are extremely dangerous and are proliferating,” he said.
Only the state, which has outlawed them, can raise the $65 fine for operating them, the councilman said.
His bill would double the $270 fine for running a red light and the $150 fine for riding the wrong way.
But the New York State Restaurant Association wants the bikes made legal for all food deliveries.
“Allowing the use of electric bikes for restaurants could increase sales,” said Executive VP Andrew Rigie. “. . . So it could be a spur to the economy.”