Letter to the Editor: We need e-bike rules

DEAR News Of The Area,

IT’S becoming more and more dangerous to take a leisurely stroll these days.

I got hit badly by a female e-bike rider the other day.

She didn’t stop, in fact tried to steal my bag whilst hitting me from behind!

Who agrees with trying to get legislation changed in NSW to get e-bikers to use the road, or laws to be enforced on speeds whilst using a pedestrian pathway or footpath?

It’s no longer “a leisurely walk in the park” with high speed wheels whizzing past, often without warnings from a bell to alert you.

I’m totally over it!

All one wishes is to go for a relaxing stroll but that’s becoming increasingly difficult… always having to be vigilant whilst strolling along the foreshores, jetty breakwalls, footpaths or through parklands, even our own CBD.

Unfortunately signage doesn’t seem to work, as speeding cyclists/ebikers aren’t monitored. I’ve witnessed e-bikers, cyclists and skateboarders whizz around at high speeds without any respect to pedestrians.

I agree with QLD, which has introduced new laws to enable e-bikers to slow down.

I hope NSW follows suit.

I would like to see the Jetty Boardwalk for pedestrians only or the introduction of a bike lane which would mean cyclists/e-bikers/mobility scooters users/skateboarders could use a side that is specifically for their use.

This would create some social harmony, and pedestrians could walk and stroll unhindered.

Who agrees?

Regards,
Maitoumbi ZAMMIT,
Coffs Harbour.