Comically large e-bike signs erected in ritzy Aussie suburb

An “explosion” of teenagers riding recklessly on e-bikes and bombing down pathways in an affluent beachside suburb has prompted one Aussie council to put up huge signs urging them to watch out for pedestrians, pets and cyclists.

However, the signs have sparked debate among residents with some arguing that they are over the top, while others think that they don't go far enough.

Northern Beaches Council in Sydney installed the larger-than-life cardboard cut-outs along share paths at North Steyne in Manly after hundreds of reports, complaints, collisions and near misses. The cut-outs depict an elderly woman, a young mum pushing a stroller, a dog going for a walk and a cyclist

Keen cyclist Alan Ventress, 74, said he regularly saw teenagers and children as young as eight riding pricey e-bikes at high speed down shared pathways and to school – often without helmets.

“The power that the motor gives them, they really zoom along seemingly without a care in the world, missing people by inches on the beachfront,” he told Yahoo News Australia.

“They are being used in the same way as a motorbike, they go hell for leather. Sometimes you see three children on one bike. I saw a young girl with her hair streaming behind them – obviously having a wonderful time – without a helmet, which could result in a brain injury or worse.”

While e-bikes, which can cost up to $3000, are legally manufactured in Australia to reach a top speed of 25km/h, some buyers allegedly modify the bikes after purchase to reach speeds of up to 60km/h or buy imports which can travel faster.

Ventress said there were no speed limit signs on the shared pathways and suggested the council should put up signs indicating the 25km/h speed limit which should drop to 5km/h when overtaking. He also said he believed e-bikes should have licence plates and rego just as motorbikes do.

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Signs spark fiery debate online

Ventress' post about the signs on a community Facebook group sparked fierce debate with many people saying they found the signs "frustrating", particularly one urging riders to slow down to walking pace when others were on the shared path. "This isn't helpful or practical," a woman wrote.

Many people said they didn't have much faith that the signs would work, with one person exclaiming: "What a joke!". Others said it was a waste of council funds to put up the signs and that they would just act as "speed bumps" for riders who would just ignore them. Others laughed at the size and comical appearance of the signs.

"The police should just fine (e-bike riders) and you will see them ride more carefully," one said.

"It's ugly visual pollution and sadly those it's aimed at won't take any notice," another added

One local man revealed his wife was hit by a 14-year-old travelling on an e-scooter at 60km/h, leaving her in hospital with injuries. "Be aware as these devices are very quiet and are on top of you in a split second," he added.

'Serious collisions' and near-misses sparked campaign

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins explained to Yahoo that the safety campaign was aimed at young people and their parents after a “rapid influx of e-bikes on our streets”.

“We strongly advocate for cleaner forms of transport like bike riding because they are good for our physical and mental health, and the environment, but we know members of the community no longer feel safe walking on our footpaths and there have been some serious collisions and many near misses,” she said.

“We don’t want it to be a matter of not ‘if’ but ‘when’ someone will get seriously injured or worse.”

Heins said the council hoped to remind people of the e-bike code – slow down to walking pace, ring your bell when others are on the path and be ready for sudden changes such as people, pets and prams.

The rules for e-bikes:

• E-bikes are subject to the same road rules as bicycles. To be considered a bicycle it cannot be propelled exclusively by a motor. In Australia, e-bikes must not assist pedalling past 25km/h.

• Under 16s are legally allowed to ride on footpaths.

• Bike riders must keep to the left on footpaths, give way to pedestrians, have a bell to warn others of their approach and wear a helmet.

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