New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced plans to increase surveillance of shops selling electric bikes and mopeds following a tragic fire that claimed the lives of four people. The fire, caused by a lithium battery, occurred in a business that sells and repairs these devices.
While acknowledging the importance of electric bikes in the city’s transportation network and their significance to small businesses, Mayor Adams emphasized that there will be zero tolerance for any activity that endangers the lives of New Yorkers. He made this statement during an event attended by municipal fire brigade and small business commissioners.
According to official data, there have been 13 deaths and 66 injuries resulting from 108 fires caused by lithium batteries this year alone. In response, the mayor’s action plan includes immediate investigations into complaints regarding potentially dangerous storage or handling of lithium batteries in bicycle shops.
Additionally, an education campaign will be launched to raise awareness among shop owners about the dangers associated with these batteries and to promote best practices for fire prevention. Mayor Adams also announced that calls to 311 reporting suspicious activities at bike repair shops or any location where batteries are charged will receive a response from the local fire station within 12 hours, emphasizing the city’s commitment to saving lives.
The recent fire occurred in a store located in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhood on the ground floor of a residential building. In addition to the four fatalities, two other individuals were hospitalized in serious condition.
Mayor Adams’ proactive measures aim to ensure the safety of New Yorkers while maintaining the benefits of electric bikes and mopeds in the city’s transportation system. By tightening surveillance and promoting awareness, the city hopes to prevent future tragedies caused by lithium battery-related incidents.
How does Mayor Adams plan to raise awareness among shop owners about the dangers associated with lithium batteries and encourage best practices for fire prevention
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled plans to enhance security measures in shops selling electric bikes and mopeds following a devastating fire that resulted in the loss of four lives. The fire, which was ignited by a lithium battery, occurred in a business that specializes in the sale and repair of these devices.
While recognizing the vital role that electric bikes play in the city’s transportation network and their significance to small businesses, Mayor Adams stressed that there will be absolutely no tolerance for any activity that jeopardizes the lives of New Yorkers. Speaking at an event attended by representatives from the municipal fire brigade and small business commissions, he expressed his determination to prioritize public safety.
According to official records, this year alone, there have been 108 fires caused by lithium batteries, resulting in 13 fatalities and 66 injuries. In response to these alarming statistics, the mayor’s action plan includes immediate investigations into reports of potentially hazardous storage or mishandling of lithium batteries in bicycle shops.
Furthermore, an educational campaign will be launched to raise awareness among shop owners about the dangers associated with these batteries and to encourage the implementation of best practices for fire prevention. Mayor Adams also revealed that any reports made to the city’s helpline, 311, regarding suspicious activities at bike repair shops or any location where batteries are charged, will be responded to by the local fire station within 12 hours, underscoring the city’s commitment to safeguarding lives.
The recent fire occurred in a store situated in Manhattan’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood, and was located on the ground floor of a residential building. In addition to the four individuals who tragically lost their lives, two others were hospitalized in serious condition.
Mayor Adams’ proactive measures aim to ensure the safety of New Yorkers while preserving the benefits of electric bikes and mopeds in the city’s transportation system. Through enhanced surveillance and increased awareness, the city hopes to prevent future tragedies caused by incidents involving lithium batteries.
