Protesters say e-bikes put Central Park pedestrians at risk

24/7 LiveNew York CityNew JerseyLong IslandNorthern SuburbsConnecticut TRAFFICProtesters say e-bikes put Central Park pedestrians at riskDemonstrators say e-bikes and e-scooters are making Central Park drives more dangerous. Crystal Cranmore has the details.WABCByCrystal Cranmore Tuesday, October 27, 2026 11:14PMShareCENTRAL PARK, Manhattan (WABC) -- Community members gathered in Central Park on Tuesday to call for stricter regulations on e-bikes, e-scooters and cyclists, saying some riders are not stopping for pedestrians inside the park.The demonstration was organized by the New York City E-Vehicle Safety Alliance, which is demanding a ban on e-vehicles inside Central Park."We've absolutely had it. We want to save lives," safety advocate Janet Schroeder said.The group also opposes the redesign of the park's 6-mile loop. The Central Park Conservancy has said the project was intended to provide more clearly designated spaces for pedestrians and cyclists."We said that the redesign is designed really for e-bikes to have a super highway in the park," Schroeder said.Among those who have been vocal about safety concerns is Brandi Wiltse, whose aunt, Jean Kotler of the Upper West Side, suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by an e-bike rider while jogging in Central Park on July 7.The crash happened at West Drive and 64th Street."So, we were struggling a lot mentally with her memory. With recognition of words, of putting sentences together and just everyday activities," Wiltse said.Wiltse said additional safeguards are needed."Let's require them to have insurance that way. Is it... is it truly an accident? At least the insurance can help provide some kind of relief to families," she said.According to the NYPD, there had been 26 e-bike and e-scooter accidents in Central Park this year as of Oct. 18.In a statement, NYC Parks said, "We're committed to making our greenways and park drives safer and more welcoming for everyone, whether they're traveling by foot, riding a bicycle, or using a legal micromobility device. Reckless behavior is never permitted."Protesters said they hope the demonstration will raise awareness and make the park safer."Is it really our job to do that? No, we shouldn't have to that," Schroeder said.Members of the group are also calling for passage of Priscilla's Law, which would require e-bikes and e-scooters to be registered with authorities and display a visible rear license plate.Eyewitness News reached out to the Central Park Conservancy for comment. The organization declined to comment.Top Stories3 Alexander brothers each get 30 years in prison for sex trafficking after testimony from women they drugged, raped 1 hour agoGrand Jury indicts former NYPD detective on second-degree murder charges in GWB road-rage shooting2 hours agoHouse control fight runs through New York's 17th District between Lawler, Conley1 hour ago----------* Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More Manhattan news* Send us a news tip* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts on the go * Download our connected TV app Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness NewsHave a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.Report a correction or typoCopyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.Related Topics TRAFFIC NEW YORK CITY CENTRAL PARK MANHATTAN E BIKES SAFETY PROTESTWatch LiveON NOWTop StoriesAlexander brothers each get 30 years in prison for sex trafficking1 hour agoEx-detective indicted on murder charges by grand jury in GWB shooting2 hours agoOne of America's closest House races is in New York1 hour agoLong Island flu survivor warns of virus dangers1 hour agoMother speaks out as new allegations emerge in 7-year-old girl's death1 hour agoNew York governor's race enters final week2 hours ago$100K+ in damage after vandalism spree on Staten Island2 hours agoSusan Saint James, Emmy-winning actor, dies at 802 hours ago