Northern Beaches Council backs recommendation to allow e-bikes on footpaths

A proposal by a NSW parliamentary inquiry to allow e-bikes to be ridden on footpaths at up to 15km/h has been backed by Northern Beaches Council.

Northern Beaches Council has backed a controversial proposal to allow e-bikes to be ridden on pedestrian paths at up to 15km/h.

The recommendation is contained in a report released after a NSW Parliament committee inquiry into the use of electric-powered bikes, scooters and skateboards.

The Upper House transport committee recommended that road rules should be changed to allow e-mobility devices and bicycles on footpaths at a maximum speed of 15km/h “with riders having to give way to pedestrians”.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said she welcomed the suggestion that speed limits on footpaths be introduced.

The inquiry was established after lobbying from Northern Beaches Council, and other councils and community groups across the state, after a spike in complaints about “fat bikes” travelling at more than 40km/h, endangering pedestrians.

Secondary schools students on an e-bike on a shared bike/pedestrian path on Pittwater Rd, Manly. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

Transport for NSW had already been urged by the council to introduce new road rules and regulations around e-bike use on pedestrian paths — and the speed they travel.

In the absence of statewide action, the council introduced its own “fat-bike” safety code in May last year in an effort to change rider behaviour.

Ms Heins said the council encouraged the state government to implement the inquiry recommendations and was pleased the committee had listened to issues raised by the council and the northern beaches community.

“While we are still digesting the report I am pleased to say that at first pass it appears they have listened to council and our community and have recommended a range of measures to improve pedestrian and rider safety,” she said.

Mayor Sue Heins at the launch, at Manly Beach, of the "E Bike – Know The Code" campaign by Northern Beaches Council in May, 2024.

“The recommendations would be a significant step toward ensuring the safety of pedestrians and riders while still promoting sustainable and active transport options.

“I particularly welcome recommendations for speed limits on footpaths, the establishment of safety standards, updating the road rules and driver knowledge test and implementing a social media campaign to target young riders.

E-bikers on The Corso, Manly. Picture: Richard Dobson

“This issue needs leadership at the state level with changes to traffic rules, active enforcement, more education and awareness and support for local government managing the issues on the ground.”

A Transport for NSW spokesman said it would consider the inquiry recommendations.

“E-micromobility plays an important role in helping people travel in and across their suburbs, and reduce congestion and demand for parking, saving riders money and delivering good environmental outcomes,” the spokesman said.

CURRENT E-BIKE RULES:

• Riders of e-bikes have to follow the same rules as those for standard bicycles including not being allowed on footpaths if aged 16 years and over unless they are an adult supervising a child under the age of 16 or accompanying a child under the age of 16.

• E-bike riders must wear a helmet

• For e-bikes, the electric motor should not assist the rider when the bike is travelling more than 25km/h.

• E-scooters are illegal on NSW roads, footpaths, shared paths and bicycle lanes. They can only be used on private property.

• Electric skateboards are not allowed on any public roads and paths unless they are being used as a mobility aid by a person with a disability.