For E-bike Owners Only
This post is not for the haters or motorists. It is for us, The e-bikers. We are in danger of becoming the same jackasses to pedestrians that harassing motorists are to us.
For the umpteenth time this month I was asked about unlocking an e-bike speed limit (all my builds and bikes offer assist limited to 20mph). Usually it is from a person that has done something irresponsible in the first place and now wants to ride a bike irresponsibly. Unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones.
Bicycles are not stable at continuous speeds above 20mph. That’s a fact. I have addressed it here before and included examples and explanations as to why the most popular e-bikes are even worse. The speed limit in lanes, on trails and on MUP’s is 15mph. Don’t speed. Admonish those you see speeding. We already have too much trouble with lycra lads speed training on the paths, but there are no where near as many of them as there are of us. Let’s not add to the problem.
When bikes are hurtling down a path, lane or MUP they are dangerous. This is whether they are an e-bike or a plastic racing bike. At the very least they are frightening to pedestrians. Each frightened pedestrian is a vote against our bikes.
If we hope to maintain the right to use bike lanes, rail trails or Multu-Use Paths, we need to use some common sense. Do not think you are safe. People all over the country are finding themselves being barred from certain lanes, trails and MUP’s because of e-bike abuse.
Approaching a group of pedestrians is not an excuse to yell or blow a horn. Slow to their speed. Announce your presence, with a well modulated voice or a bell. Pass only when it is safe to change lanes to do so. You are on an e-bike! Getting back up to speed is not a problem for you like it is for a traditional cyclist. If you are in a big hurry, get up and get going earlier. Your haste should not be a concern for anyone else.
Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way. That is whether the light has changed or not. It is whether they are walking slow or not and no we do not have the right to encroach upon a crosswalk even if we are making a right turn on red (if you cannot see well enough from behind the stop bar, you should not be making a right turn on red). BTW, this is whether you are biking or motoring.
Pedestrians in the lane in front of you have the right of way. We do have bike lanes in The Quad Cities area, but we do not have any bike paths. None at all. They are Multi-Use Parhs. Pedestrians do not have to get out of your way. They do not have to cower at the edge of the trail or path. They do have to stay in their own lane, but that is their problem, not ours. Change lanes to pass!
You are a cycling ambassador. You can encourage the building of more and better cycling infrastructure. Be patient. Obey speed limits. Pass with care and greet everyone you meet along the way. Nothing could do more to improve our image.