Aussie councils push for more $136 fines for 'dangerous' footpath act
In NSW, government figures show there has been a 322 per cent increase in sales of electric mobility devices between 2020 and 2022.
Frustrated community members, tired of encountering electric bicycles speeding along footpaths, are calling for stricter penalties, tighter regulations and physical modifications to the controversial devices to improve their safety.
Throughout NSW, the use of e-bikes has soared in recent years, particularly among food delivery drivers and young people. Advocates like Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean argued there are several key benefits of e-bikes, emphasising their role in sustainable and efficient transport.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, he praised the devices for reducing carbon emissions, as they offer a cleaner alternative to cars, particularly for short commutes. He said e-bikes are also more energy-efficient than traditional motor vehicles, contributing to greener cities and reduced traffic congestion.
But many across the state, particularly the elderly and those with mobility issues, argue there is a time and place for riding e-bikes — and it's not on footpaths. In fact, in NSW, a fine to the tune of $136 is in place for those caught riding them on the footpath, however the fine is seldom dished out by authorities.
E-bike opposers call for tougher penalties, tighter regulations
A NSW parliamentary inquiry investigating e-scooters and e-bikes has heard from several councils that have raised concerns that current legislation limits their ability to tackle illegal behaviour on e-bikes. That's because the responsibility for enforcement rests solely with NSW Police.
The Glebe Society, an Inner West community group, is advocating for stricter regulatory measures. Member Janet Oakley believes there isn't enough awareness regarding the rules.
"E-bikes weave between pedestrians with scant regard for safety and there seems to be no risk of penalty," she told The Daily Telegraph. It's a sentiment many other Sydneysiders share.
Another local resident, Barry Ahearn, told the paper he supports changes to e-bike rules. "I have no issue with them in the bike lanes, but on the footpaths it’s just too dangerous," he said.
According to the Telegraph, despite e-bikes now proliferating our streets, less than a dozen penalties have been handed out to people for riding them on a footpath with a mere 11 cyclists copping fines.
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Councils push for new e-bike rules
Several councils have proposed introducing new regulations requiring oversized e-bikes to be equipped with noise-emitting devices to alert pedestrians of their approach. Sutherland Shire Council suggested that such devices could help minimise the risk of collisions with pedestrians.
Northern Beaches Council highlighted growing concerns among residents, particularly older and vulnerable individuals, who have expressed feeling unsafe while walking on footpaths.
The council noted in its submission to the NSW Government that near-misses and previous traumas have left some community members anxious about using footpaths. It's led certain residents to reconsider walking as a mode of transport, potentially affecting their physical health and social needs.
The council also raised concerns about youth riders, some as young as 10, who may lack the cognitive skills and empathy needed to assess and manage risks appropriately, posing potential dangers to both themselves and others.
Uptake soars as advocates cite environmental benefits
In NSW, government figures show there has been a 322 per cent increase in e-bike and e-scooter sales between 2020 and 2022. Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean, though supportive of the movement, agreed the industry needs stricter regulation.
"They're getting more types of people with different chronic injuries, arthritis and joint problems or whatever else riding bikes, which is really fantastic for physical and mental health," he previously told Yahoo News Australia.
"From a mobility point of view, they're getting people from A to B, in a nice, sustainable manner. It's also reducing the number of [car] trips that people are taking."
McLean admitted the devices travel at speed, which can pose safety hazards. "When they're in the hands of people who don't have a huge amount of experience, they are unsafe," he said.
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