Originally Posted by
Larryo
We absolutely need some rules and laws regarding E bike operation. I was walking home the other day, and a kid came from behind that Knee bike and hit me with his handlebar going perhaps 15 miles an hour. I was lucky it wasn't worse. That's just plain carelessness and poor education. He had 3/4 of the sidewalk to easily maneuver around me and yet chose to cut close to me.
I'm an avid e-biker as well as a non-E biker and I see no reason why we can't respect each other's life and property when we operate them. We do need some rules and enforcement. It's just a matter of time.
I hit a woman, years ago, riding an "accoustic" bike, when I was a bike messenger in Manhattan in the 80s. SHE walked out in front of me, when I had the right of way AND no option to stop, and wrecked my loaner bike. My speed was well above 15mph. She tried to have me arrested, much to the amusement of the NYPD and the witnesses. Pedestrians tend to be the a-holes here in NYC - even TODAY!
I've never been a crap "acoustic" or ebike rider, BUT the non-motorized bike riders tend to go faster than 20mph, causing most UNREPORTED bike related injuries. We definitely need laws in place, but the problem really comes down to accountability. Parents, nowadays, tend to be idiots. They don't teach their children correctly, and there's no repercussions for them when their offspring cause issues, and people are hurt - or worse. I have 4 adult children, and I STILL wouldn't allow them to be poopstains towards others. That INCLUDES, but is NOT LIMITED, to them riding a motorized or non-motorized bike. We even have multiple electric scooters (I personally own 2), and pedestrians are prioritized when out-and-about. It's how I've raised them.
Remember, these "laws" people want (20mph is the least possible speed necessary in NYC IMO, since it's unsafe if you can't keep up with traffic otherwise, and that's dangerous for the rider. We're not allowed BY LAW to ride on a sidewalk when the age of 14 is reached) aren't always realistic, don't take into account the varying conditions and situations of the location of the riders, and are all blanket attempts (usually) of local politicians to suck money out of their constituents - claiming it's for the "good of the people".