Moped sharing company Revel, which was taken off the streets in New York City last month after nearly back-to-back fatalities, is now getting a second chance.
Revel is back up and running after being shut down a month ago.
There were three fatalities involving the moped sharing company. The New York City Department of Transportation claims ridership grew drastically, but so did accidents, with 330 crashes with injuries in the first seven months of this year
“Helmet use is a big factor in the severity of the injuries. Late night riding tends to be places where we see more crashes,” says NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.
As a result, riders will have to snap a helmet selfie before they ride, take a 30-question survey or in-person lesson and for the first 60 days, operation will not be allowed between midnight and 5 a.m.
Also, the public can help to crack down on reckless drivers by sending in photos and emails.
"They can look at the geocode of the picture and know exactly who's on the bike and take corrective action,” says Trottenberg.
Another change is that Jay Street will be for buses trucks and bikes only starting Monday as part of a new busway. That means drivers will have to find a new spot to park.
“We’re not at the point now where we can take away all parking, but I would definitely venture to say that we're heading in that direction,” says Chris Rhons, street busway project manager.