Irvine, CA, April 16th, 2024 – The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) is taking proactive steps to advocate for the safety of cyclists by announcing it will submit comments to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on behalf of retailers across North America. The CPSC is currently considering the development of new rules to address the risk of injury associated with electric bicycles (e-bikes), marking a pivotal moment for the cycling industry.
In response to the CPSC's call for comments, the NBDA has extracted six questions from those posted by the CPSC, specifically tailored to solicit insights from retailers. These questions have been crafted into a survey in which the NBDA is urging retailers to comment on. The responses received will be included in the NBDA's submission to the CPSC, reflecting the collective feedback and opinions of retailers at large.
Heather Mason, President of the NBDA, emphasized the significance of retailers' input in shaping future legislation. "This is a fantastic moment for us to provide comments inclusive of our membership base. The e-bike category is so important to our business. We want to ensure all retailers have a voice in future regulations legislation," said Mason.
The advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR), posted on March 15, 2024, signals the initiation of a rulemaking proceeding under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA). The CPSC is seeking input on various aspects of e-bike safety, including mechanical hazards, regulatory alternatives, economic impacts, existing voluntary standards, and plans for new standards development.
The NBDA will collaborate with Human Powered Solutions to craft a comprehensive and well-rounded comment that addresses retailers' perspectives on e-bike safety regulations. The commenting period opened on March 14, 2024, and will remain open until May 15, allowing ample time for stakeholders to provide input.
While the CPSC focuses on regulating the mechanical aspects of e-bikes, separate considerations are being made regarding lithium-ion battery safety. Recent studies have underscored the importance of addressing mechanical issues to mitigate the risk of injuries and fatalities associated with e-bikes.
To participate in the NBDA organized retailer feedback portion commenting process take this short survey here.
The NBDA remains committed to championing the interests of bicycle retailers and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of cyclists across North America.
For more information about the National Bicycle Dealers Association and its initiatives, visit NBDA's website.
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About the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA):
The NBDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting independent bicycle dealers. Through various initiatives, education programs, and networking opportunities, the NBDA strives to elevate the bicycle retail industry and empower dealers for long-term success. For more information about the NBDA and its initiatives, please visit www.nbda.com.
