NSW councils call for tougher enforcement of e-bike footpath riding rules as only 11 cyclists fined for breaking laws

Sydney councils are pushing for a crackdown on “menace” e-bikes and food delivery drivers illegally riding on footpaths, with claims a lack of enforcement is putting pedestrians’ safety at risk.

Sydney councils are calling for a crackdown on e-bikes ruling the city’s footpaths, as new ­figures reveal just a handful of fines have been issued for their illegal use.

Residents of one affected area have also backed calls for the NSW government to address the issue, describing the bikes as “menaces” they “can’t stand”.

The uptake of e-bikes is surging across Sydney, where food delivery workers are regularly seen flying down footpaths, despite it being illegal to ride them there in NSW unless the rider is under 16, is supervising a minor, or on a shared path.

In the inner west, a community group called Glebe Society is among those calling for tougher regulatory action.

Group member Janet Oakley said she believed there was a lack of awareness about the footpath rules.

E-bike riders can be fined for driving on footpaths in NSW.

“E-bikes weave between pedestrians with scant regard for safety and there seems to be no risk of penalty,” she said.

As well as tougher enforcement, some councils have called for new rules that would require the often oversize-wheeled bikes to be fitted with noise devices to warn pedestrians of their presence.

Bikes riding on footpaths at Manly Beach this week.

Sutherland Shire Council said the noise devices could ­ reduce the likelihood of collisions with pedestrians.

Northern Beaches Council said many locals, including vulnerable older residents, had reported “no longer feeling safe” walking on footpaths.

“For community members who have experienced a near miss, who have a trauma history or who are particularly frail there is a psychological impact from not feeling safe using our footpaths,” the council said in a submission to the NSW Government.

“Some residents are also reporting that they are reconsidering their ability to walk as a transport option, impacting physical health and social inclusion outcomes.

There has been a surge in e-bike use across NSW.

“We are also observing some riders as young as 10 years old (who) may not have developed the cognitive ability or empathy to appropriately evaluate and manage risks to themselves and others.”

Manly local Carol Dancer, 70, told The Daily Telegraph e-bikes regularly “menaced” her dog on footpaths and “should be on the roads”.

Another resident, Barry Ahearn, is also calling for changes to e-bike rules.

“I have no issue with them in the bike lanes, but on the footpaths it’s just too dangerous,” he said.

Carol Dancer, who says e-bikes are a “menace”. Picture: Richard Dobson

Concerns over e-bikes have been fuelled by their surging numbers, with NSW government figures showing a 322 per cent increase in sales between 2020 and 2022.

Some food delivery services say they have measures in place to promote safety.

A NSW parliamentary inquiry – which is investigating e-scooters and e-bikes – has received submissions from multiple councils warning that current legislation means they are limited from stopping illegal e-bikes because responsibility for enforcement rests with NSW Police.

However, Bicycle NSW believes enforcement should not be used as the main strategy to promote better behaviour by e-bike riders.

“Warnings and education are the first step and policing must not disincentivise active transport,” the advocacy group said.

Transport for NSW said it was important for everyone to ride responsibly and follow the road rules.

In NSW, e-bikes are not permitted on footpaths.

There have been rising concerns over safety risks from e-bikes on footpaths.

“Transport for NSW works closely with NSW Police, which is responsible for the enforcement of road transport offences for non-compliant e-bikes, including the power to seize any unregistered or illegal device,” a spokeswoman said.

“Transport for NSW continues to develop and increase e-bike safety messaging in road safety campaigns.”

Originally published as NSW councils call for tougher enforcement of e-bike footpath riding rules as only 11 cyclists fined for breaking laws