Quote:
Originally Posted by Crowbob
Definitely a public safety issue.
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This has become a hot-button topic with me. Pre-teen kids zipping around town on Ebikes capable of doing 30MPH have become a serious traffic hazard around here, since they regard stop signs, traffic signals and lane markings as mere suggestions to be ignored whenever it suites them. Many ride without helmets, sometimes even 3-up on a single bike. They'll steer with one hand while staring intently at their phones, and are prone to make sudden unpredictable moves without warning. It's not uncommon to see groups of 4 or 5 kids all doing wheelies down the middle of a lane in fairly heavy traffic. It's easy to see why this county consistently ranks high in vehicle/bike accident rates, with Ebikes sprouting up here like mushrooms after a spring rain.
This isn't much different than an un-licensed, un-trained kid being turned loose on the streets with a motorcycle. I don't understand why so many parents are buying their kids these rather expensive, and potentially dangerous, toys in the first place. Most kids have nearly unlimited energy and can surely ride a pedal bike practically anywhere that an Ebike will take them. These same parents will then complain about how dangerous the roads are for bicyclists, which is like wondering why your 12-year old is now addicted to social media after buying them a $1k smart phone.