Councils in Sydney call for a performance against e-bikes that have taken over the footpaths of the city and have made pedestrians unsafe.
An NSW-parliamentary investigation into the use of the electrically powered bicycles has received submissions from more than a dozen local governments, including Northern Beaches Council, which said that some of the residents 'are no longer safe' on sidewalks.
The dangerous use of the devices has also attracted attention in other cities, whereby the police in Brisbane are more than 50 e-bike and e-scooter-riders fine during a 24-hour Blitz on January 17 and the Melbourne police in one day clamping during a last year.
E-bikes and e-scooters have become increasingly popular in recent years, but have led to some sidewalks being hidden by a lot of bicycles that have collapsed on the ground, while pedestrians are forced to avoid drivers flying along the footpath.
Willoughby Council on Sydney's Lower North Shore said in the submission of the investigation that there must be a defined size and weight restrictions on e-bikes and that police and council rangers are given more powers to regulate them.
Sutherland Council in the south of the city said that E -bikes should be equipped with noise devices to warn pedestrians and reduce the risk of collisions – as well as more financing for cycle paths.
Northern Beaches Council said that some of the inhabitants 'reported that they reconsider their ability to walk as a transport option, which influences physical health and social inclusion results'.
It said that some of the bikes – which can reach legal speeds of 25 km/h – were as young as 10 and possibly unable to evaluate and manage risks correctly.
E-bikes are legally in NSW, on condition that they conform to rules, including that riders wear helmets, only pedestrians keep footpaths and are not larger than 25 km/h (depicted, a rider in Sydney)
The sale of e-bikes has risen in recent years, with sales figures that tripled (depicted, electric lime bikes in Sydney between 2020 and 2022)
“For members of the community who have experienced an almost -miss who have a traumeg history or who are particularly weak, there is a psychological impact by not feeling safe with the help of our footpaths,” the council said.
North Sydney Council also called for more financing for individual lanes for e-bikes and said that governments should work more closely with food delivery services, such as Uber, to ensure that riders who were employed were aware of the road rules.
The sale of e-bikes has risen in recent years, more than tripled between 2020 and 2022.
Advocacy Group Bicycle NSW argued that the use of e-bikes was positive and that beating riders with fines should be a final resort.
“Warnings and education are the first step and police work should not discourage active transport,” said it.
Transport for NSW said that although it encouraged the use of e-bikes, they must comply with the legal framework including restrictions on their speed.
“Transport for NSW works closely with the police of NSW, who is responsible for the enforcement of traffic transport offices for non-compliant e-bikes, including the authority to grab non-registered or illegal device,” said a spokeswoman.
“Transport for NSW continues to develop and increase e-bike safety messages in road safety campaigns.”
E-bikes and e-scooters have become increasingly popular in recent years, but have led some sidewalks to be hidden by a lot of bicycles that have collapsed on the ground (depicted)
The investigation into the state is investigating several aspects of the use of e-bikes, including their role in relieving traffic congestion and the opportunities to reform the regulatory framework to achieve better and safe results for riders and the community. ”
In NSW, Victoria and Queensland, e-bikes are legally on public roads, but may not be more than 25 km/h and the same rules as pedal-driven bicycles apply, such as wearing a helmet and not driving on pedestrian paths.
E-scooters are allowed in Victoria and Queensland, but are not yet allowed on public property in NSW.
Last year the NSW government announced that the new product requirements would introduce around lithium batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters who have been responsible for fueling hundreds of fires in Australia alone.
Manufacturers can be affected with fines of more than $ 800,000 if they sell products that do not meet the standards.
