Widow of Actress Killed by E-Bike Slams NYC Mayor's New Traffic Enforcement Policy
The widow of Gone Girl star Lisa Banes, who was tragically killed by a moped rider in Manhattan's Upper West Side, has publicly criticised New York City's new mayor for abruptly terminating a crackdown on dangerous two-wheeled vehicles. Kathryn Kranhold, Banes' widow, expressed deep concern over Mayor Zohran Mamdani's recent announcement that the NYPD will cease issuing criminal summonses to e-bike riders and cyclists for low-level traffic offences, a policy shift set to commence on March 27.
Mayor's Policy Shift Sparks Outrage from Bereaved Family
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, declared on Wednesday that the enforcement change aims to treat all New Yorkers fairly on the roads, whether they are driving or biking. He emphasised that this move, coupled with upcoming street safety legislation, is designed to make the Big Apple's streets safer for everyone. However, Kranhold vehemently disagrees, drawing from her personal tragedy where Banes died in June 2021, ten days after being struck by an e-bike rider who ran a red light.
"I haven't read the specifics, but I do know from firsthand experience how horrible this can be for any family to have their partner, wife, child struck by an electric motorcycle, vehicle — whatever you want to call them," Kranhold told the New York Post. "They should have some restrictions. They're not just simple bikes… They're electric vehicles."
Details of the Fatal Incident and Legal Consequences
Under the previous administration led by Eric Adams, e-bike riders and cyclists could receive criminal summonses for violating traffic laws, such as running red lights. This enforcement will be discontinued starting next Friday. The rider responsible for Banes' death, Brian Boyd, then 27, was identified as a hit-and-run driver. He was convicted of second-degree manslaughter and served two years in jail for the actress's death. Boyd was operating a moped without a license and in an unregistered vehicle, highlighting regulatory gaps as mopeds must be registered as motorcycles under NYC law, whereas e-bikes do not require registration.
Kranhold now approaches crosswalks with caution and consistently reminds friends to look before crossing, stating, "I remind them to look always because of these e-bikes. A lot of them are like Vespas. They're electric vehicles, they're not just bicycles anymore. They should have different standards." She added, "I support all the cycling lanes, and what we can do to encourage cycling, I support that. But I don't support e-bikes just running through red lights. They're just a hazard."
Administration's Proposed Safety Measures and Training Programs
In response to safety concerns, the Mamdani Administration has proposed legislation requiring delivery platforms to share trip-level data with the city's Transportation Department, enabling the establishment of safer delivery standards. Additionally, the administration seeks to mandate enhanced training for delivery drivers who repeatedly engage in unsafe road behaviour.
"In partnership with the City Council, we'll strengthen safety standards, hold app companies accountable and expand training for delivery riders," Mamdani said in a statement. "This balanced approach supports riders while protecting pedestrians and motorists - and moves us closer to making our streetscape the envy of the world."
An enhanced safety training program will launch in April for all bicycle and e-bike delivery workers. This online program will cover workers' rights, safety protocols, and traffic laws, offered in six languages to ensure accessibility. Furthermore, Mamdani's office is collaborating with Lyft, which operates the city's extensive Citi Bike program, to introduce new hardware and initiate a comprehensive safety campaign aimed at reducing accidents and improving road etiquette.
