Sign we need to get a grip of e-bike problem

OPINION: New signage painted on crowded Gold Coast footpaths has sparked controversy among residents fed up dicing with dangers caused by e-bikes. Here’s what we need to do, writes Ann Wason Moore.

The path along Marine Parade in Miami. Picture: Glenn Campbell.

Another day, another e-bike drama.

New signage specifically for electric bikes painted on crowded Gold Coast footpaths has sparked controversy amongst concerned residents already reeling from a spate of accidents.

While the outrage is understandable, the truth is that the City of Gold Coast is only following current Queensland law, which stipulates that e-bikes can be used on all Queensland roads and paths, except where bicycles are prohibited, as long as the motor provides pedal-assist only and cuts out at 25kmh.

Unfortunately, it seems far too many electric bikes on our roads and paths ignore these (very minimal) rules – from excessive speed to lack of pedal-assist to the number of riders and/or limited helmet use.

And if riders refuse to play by the rules, perhaps it’s time to overhaul them.

It’s absolutely insane that with all the time, money and effort our state puts into ensuring that our children are fully road-ready before they get behind the steering wheel of a car – with multiple theory tests, 100 hours of supervised driving, years of a stepped-licence system – that our children can hop on these bikes and zip into traffic or toy with the lives of pedestrians on paths.

These are motorised vehicles. No one is sticking to the speed limit, no one is policing it and we are all in danger of paying the price.

Surely it’s time to consider whether these bikes should be licensed and registered.

Signs on the path along Marine Parade in Miami. Picture: Glenn Campbell

But before we even argue about that, let’s start with something simple: let’s get them off our footpaths.

Ever notice that almost every true pedal-powered MAMIL (middle aged man in lycra) opts for the roadway? It’s because there is too much traffic on the footpath to get up to speed … yet these human obstacles are no problem to e-bikes.

Thanks to the magic of an electric motor, they simply swerve amongst pedestrians with the push of a powered pedal or the twist of a throttle – and we’re lucky if they stick to 25kmh. (E-scooters must stick to 12kmh on the footpath, but this does not apply to e-bikes as they are not classified as a personalised mobility device or PMD.)

Indeed, the style of e-bike most favoured by teens, tweens and even young kids sports fat tyres, a big headlight and resembles a dirt bike or motorbike, but with pedals.

And those pedals may as well be painted on for all the use they get.

Even if e-bikes stick to the speed limit, 25km/h seems far too fast to silently slip between pedestrians, prams and pets.

Even if e-bikes stick to the speed limit, 25km/h seems far too fast to silently slip between pedestrians, prams and pets. Picture: Glenn Campbell.

It’s time that this issue was given serious attention by every level of government.

And that’s a viewpoint shared by Councillor Nick Marshall, whose Division 12 footpath along the oceanfront in Miami recently received its own lightning-bolt e-bike signage.

“I know a few are unhappy with the signs, but it’s a city-wide decision that is in support of a state rule,” said Cr Marshall.

“The proliferation of e-bikes, and the number that don’t comply with the rules, is a big issue and one that is not just affecting the Gold Coast.

“This is an issue that affects all three levels of government and we have a situation where the horse has bolted and we’re struggling to catch up.

“At the moment there is very little regulation and it’s very hard to police. I feel sorry for our city officers, they can’t approach someone who looks 16 years old or younger so they are just toothless. We rely on people to do the right thing and they’re just not.”

In positive news, Currumbin MP Laura Gerber is holding a community meeting on e-bike safety on Tuesday night at the Elanora Community Centre.

Meanwhile, on the Sunshine Coast, the council has started a trial where drones track illegal e-bikes and dirt bikes so that officers can impound the vehicles.

It’s a start, but we need to find a solution faster than a speeding teen on a DiroDi.

To be fair, I’m a huge fan of e-bikes as I believe they can fill a real gap in our city’s transportation needs. But with so many young kids getting behind the handlebars, we are literally only adding to our traffic woes.

Even worse, the lack of regulations and the ignorance of road rules means these e-bikes can far too easily become deadly machines.

Surely we’d rather see a licensing system, rather than condone a license to kill.

Originally published as Sign we need to get a grip of e-bike problem