Photos reveal crackdown targeting e-bike problem on Aussie streets: 'Action can be taken'

In NSW, government figures show there has been a 322 per cent increase in e-bike and e-scooter sales between 2020 and 2022.

Police targeting several e-bike riders in Sydney at the weekend.
NSW Police were photographed targeting several e-bike riders in Sydney at the weekend. Source: Reddit/ 888sydneysingapore

Police have been photographed apprehending multiple e-bike riders over the weekend along a bustling CBD shopping strip, fuelling ongoing debate over the role of the controversial devices in society.

Images emerged on social media on Saturday of NSW Police officers speaking with e-bike delivery riders outside of Town Hall on George Street Sydney's CBD, in an apparent crack down on rule breaking.

In the state, e-bikes are not allowed on footpaths unless the rider is under 16 years old, meaning delivery riders must stick to designated cycling infrastructure or roads where bikes are permitted.

George Street is primarily a pedestrian-friendly zone with a light rail corridor running through it. While it is not strictly a path for pedestrians, it is a pedestrian-priority area where vehicles, including bikes and e-scooters, are generally restricted.

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Riders are encouraged to dismount in busy pedestrian areas to avoid fines.

Speaking to Yahoo News, a NSW Police spokeswoman said officers regularly monitor the area for dangerous e-bike behaviour. "Police, including Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers, conduct multiple public safety operations in relation to education and enforcement for e-bike, push bike and pedestrian safety," she said.

"[We] have regular operations around Sydney CBD focused on educating e-bike riders on safe riding practices. Care and consideration needs to be taken when riding bicycles and e-bikes, particularly in built up areas with high pedestrian and vehicle movements. Enforcement action can be taken on riders."

Police targeting several e-bike riders in Sydney at the weekend.
E-bikes remain controversial in NSW, with opponents citing safety concerns. Source: Reddit/ 888sydneysingapore

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, 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.

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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.

Online this week, many responding to the post argued the bikes are unsafe. "I was shocked how fast these guys ride through Darling Harbour on a busy Saturday night weaving around," one person said.

"I have to agree with the police on this one. It’s a real safety issue. Pedestrians have been injured and badly in some cases overseas," said another.

"All this would be solved if we had proper bike lanes," commented a third.

Ed Hore, president of the Australian Cycling Alliance, said our demanding consumer culture has seen gig economy workers take "extreme risks" to deliver food on time and avoid a low-star rating. He said it's led to dangerous behaviour from riders.

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"This is the problem we have got in our ‘immediately must have’ society, where everything is wanted in the shortest possible timeframe – the desire to have everything immediately," Hore earlier told Yahoo.

Meanwhile, 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 police.

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.

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In NSW, government figures show there has been a 322 per cent increase in e-bike and e-scooter sales between 2020 and 2022. McLean, though supportive of the movement, agreed the industry needs stricter regulation.

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