Spelger, let me 'splain....

If pedestrians become "retrained" by silent EVs driving around, they'll quickly learn that they have to LOOK before entering a roadway or other place vehicles are traveling.

Because up until recently, many peds became lazy and simply listened for oncoming vehicles. This explains the many, MANY irresponsible pedestrians doing this to me over the last 50+ years of riding. Luckily for them, I have quick reflexes, excellent bike-handling skills and have avoided catastrophe. I haven't hit a pedestrian yet. And my bell (and 90 dB horn) have prevented FAR MORE incidents of this happening. My bell and defensive riding have saved a few people injury and misfortune.

Listening works for most ICE motor vehicles, but not for us, riding silent bicycles. So if enough EVs are on the road, pedestrians will be forced to change their ways. Enough of 'em will rely on their ears, walk into the path of an oncoming EV and either get removed from the gene pool, or learn their lesson the VERY hard way. Either way, the old rule we learned as kids, "Look before you cross the street!" will again become a requirement (and obviously common sense).

Quiet EVs benefit us all with a quieter transportation landscape. We'll all sleep better at night. People's stress levels will drop; heart disease will drop, and so much more. Urban noise has been shown to be a detriment to health. Reducing it is a universal good.

But the BIG plus in my book is that peds will now be habituated to LOOKING BEFORE CROSSING, and thereby stop walking into the path of cyclists illegally.

As a tandem captain, this change will improve my safety and the safety of my partner. And given the mass of our tandem, this will save future pedestrians from being flattened by me on my 350lb. tandem!

Win-win!

* To be clear, pedestrians do NOT have the right of way universally. They must meet two criteria in California:
1) Cross legally. Marked or unmarked crosswalk, controlled intersections and the like. Don't walk against a red. Stuff like that.
2) Show intent. If you're walking along the sidewalk and suddenly dart into a marked crosswalk and into the path of a vehicle, YOU are at fault. Peds simply must show drivers and other road users that they wish to cross. Cyclists & drivers cannot suspend the laws of physics. Show you wanna cross so it gives others the opportunity to stop.
(And obviously, peds (and cyclists) are prohibited from many or specific roads, freeways being the big one.)