North Curl Curl: Shocking video emerges of near collision between e-bike and car

Shocking video has emerged of a near collision between a teenager on an e-bike and a car at a busy Sydney intersection. See the disturbing footage.

• e-bike trauma jumps 400 per cent

Shocking video has emerged of a near collision between a teenager on an e-bike and car at a busy northern beaches’ intersection.

Footage of the potential fatal near miss comes as Northern Beaches Council supports proposed e-bike reforms including being able to ride on footpaths at up to 15km/h.

A concerned local motorist captured the Dashcam vision at traffic lights at the intersection of Griffith and Pitt roads, North Curl Curl, on February 2.

The video shows a teenager, who the motorist estimated to be about 13 years old, riding south along Griffin Rd, then through the intersection on a green light.

But he makes an abrupt right turn into Pitt Rd — in front of fast moving oncoming traffic.

A still from a car dashcam video showing a near collision between an e-bike and a car at the corner of Griffith and Pitt roads at North Curl Curl on February 2. Picture: Supplied.

A silver station wagon, heading north on Griffith Rd, has to break harshly to avoid slamming into the e-bike and its young rider.

The motorist who provided the footage to this masthead said he thought he was about to witness a fatal collision.

The teen e-bike rider waves an apology to the driver, but he could have been seriously hurt or killed after turning front of fast moving traffic. Picture: Supplied

“I reckon if the boy’s parents had been in my car to see it, that e-bike would be confiscated immediately,” the motorist, who asked not to be named, said.

“The big problem is, these bikes accelerate like a motorbike, and kids have no road sense or experience.

“They don’t know the basic rules because they haven’t had the 120 hours’ of learner driver log book practice with a licensed driver.

“But they’re out on the roads, mixing it with the traffic.

Many e-bike drivers have little knowledge of basic road rules and experience of riding at speeds up to 45km/h though traffic. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Deaths are inevitable and some poor driver will be dragged through the courts for being in the wrong e-bike place at the wrong time.”

The footage comes as the council continues to be at the forefront of a push for the NSW Government to regulate the use of the vehicles.

But it has been criticised for backing 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.

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

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.

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.