Dozens of members of the New York City Electric Vehicle Safety Alliance (NYC EVSA) gathered outside City Hall on October 23 to urge City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams to prioritize the “Priscilla Loke Law,” which requires registration plates for electric motorcycles, for the legislative agenda. They are pushing for a hearing and eventual vote by the City Council.
On the day of the rally, Council Member Robert Holden, who spearheaded the proposal, also showed his support. In a statement, Council Member Holden said, “Electric motorcycles have become a menace, leading to rampant traffic violations, crimes, and a decline in community quality of life. Priscilla Loke should still be alive, but reckless electric motorcycle riders flagrantly disregard traffic regulations, highlighting the urgent need for the City Council to pass the ‘Priscilla Loke Law’ and for state authorities to enforce effective regulations.”
Janet Schroeder, founder of the New York City Electric Vehicle Safety Alliance, stated that the alliance has over 1,100 members, with 94 of them being victims of electric motorcycle violations. Schroeder pointed out that 89 riders fled the scene after injuring alliance members and other riders. If vehicles had registration plates, these hit-and-run riders would be easier to track down.
Priscilla Loke, the former vice principal of the Chinatown Head Start School, was beloved by students, staff, and parents. On September 5 last year, while on her way to work, Loke was tragically struck by a red-light-running electric motorcycle rider, causing severe head injuries. Despite being hospitalized for two days, Loke succumbed to her injuries.
Last year, Democrat Council Member Holden introduced the proposal, naming it after Priscilla Loke, to mandate registration plates for all electric motorcycles to hold accountable those responsible for accidents, and to commemorate all victims like Priscilla Loke.
This year, Holden reintroduced the proposal (Intro 2024-0606), with 31 council members endorsing it, a majority in the 51-member City Council, including 3 co-sponsors. However, the number of council members supporting the proposal did not reach an absolute majority for the City Council to automatically hold a hearing.
New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright, also a Democrat, expressed support for the “Priscilla Loke Law”: “Every day, I hear from constituents about accidents involving electric motorcycles or mopeds, causing extensive harm due to collisions, misuse, or malfunctions. I am proud to strongly support NYC EVSA’s proposal to make the streets safer for all New Yorkers.”
This push for the “Priscilla Loke Law” reflects ongoing efforts to address safety concerns related to electric motorcycles in New York City and ensure accountability for those who pose risks to road users and pedestrians.