NYC wants a 15 mph limit on e bikes and scooters to reduce accidents with pedestrians

[Trade]

I was an avid 5,000 mile a year bicyclist for many years. To me the most dangerous thing about being on a bicycle is the fact that you can't keep up with the flow of traffic. And every time you get passed by a car or truck that's a potential chance of getting hit and seriously injured or killed. Most of the bicyclists that I knew of getting killed or injured were hit from behind. I think the same thing probably goes for e-bikes.

So I don't see how forcing them to slow down even more will make it safer for them. These days I ride a motorcycle and I have to say I feel much safer because I can go with the flow of traffic instead of being constantly passed often by some angry motorist who is pissed off because I am in his or her way.

 

[Jules]

If a license, insurance and registration were required for bikes, e-bikes, and scooters, would there be an age limit. Start at 14? 16?

We have some kids around here that are younger than 12. They’re a menace.

Imo, school teachers should have a mandatory class for rules of the road for cyclists and pedestrians. This should happen every fall and again in the spring.

It’s amazing the number of people walking don’t know to walk facing traffic. It’s so easy for kids to get distracted and wander off the side of the road into traffic. They need to be even more aware because EVs are quiet.

 

[Ruthanne]

IMO regulating the drivers is more important than regulating the bikes.

It shouldn’t matter if it’s a car, truck, golf cart, scooter, riding lawn mower, wheelchair, snowmobile, etc…

Operate them under the existing traffic safety laws and regulations.

I couldn't have said it better!