Avon Lake – They’re the crotch rockets of the sidewalk. They are the ninjas of the road, sneaking up on unsuspecting pedestrians and drivers alike. These are electric bikes. And, while they are currently popular among enthusiasts, many Avon Lake residents find them offensive.
Members of the Avon Lake City Council have been hearing a lot lately, especially now that school is out and the weather is getting warmer. While no specific incident or accident has been reported, city leaders and residents report a number of near misses throughout the city.
Council member Dave Kos, who chairs the Avon Lake Public Safety and Health Committee, said he has heard a number of complaints about e-bike riders throughout the city, but the issue is not unique to Avon Lake. Cities across the United States are dealing with people who are riding e-bikes recklessly, not obeying traffic laws, and, quite simply, not using common sense and courtesy while whizzing and weaving through town.
Kos stated that, as with any new technology, it takes time for rules and regulations to catch up. However, the Ohio Revised Code includes a section dedicated to the rules and regulations for e-bike riders, but the problem, according to Kos, is that there are no specific trainings available for riders, and many riders are unaware of which rules and regulations they are expected to follow.
“The information about potential accidents that these e-bike riders are causing and near misses that were happening came to our attention and it was a matter the city needed to take a look at,” Kos told the press. “As a city, we need to do a better job of educating the public about the rules, both those who ride and those who do not. But the first thing you should know is that we have no plans and cannot prohibit the use of e-bikes in the city. We are not going down that path.
“But, we want people to use these bikes, which look like a lot of fun, in a safe way and a responsible way,” according to him. “If you currently own and enjoy one, or are planning to get one, please learn the traffic rules and please ride responsibly.”
The main issue with e-bikes is that they are virtually silent, and riders frequently come up behind people walking on the sidewalk or cars driving down the road who do not hear them. When people are walking and a silent e-bike speeds up to them at nearly 30 mph, these near misses can quickly escalate into a serious incident.
Worse, Kos explained, many e-bike riders simply do not obey basic traffic laws. Riders are running through red lights and stop signs, weaving in and out of traffic, speeding through parking lots, and failing to use designated intersections.
E-bikes are classified into three categories: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3, each with its own set of rules and regulations. Class 3 e-bikes are the most heavily regulated due to their high speeds, with riders required to wear helmets, eye protection, and be illuminated at night.
Currently, these e-bikes are regulated similarly to regular bicycles under ORC 554511.55.
“Whenever we talked about the e-bikes and the issues with them, we always talk about the kids, but there are a lot of adults that operate these as well,” Kos told me. “A lot of adults, especially older adults, use them because they can’t pedal and it’s a great way for them to get around, but adults tend to follow traffic laws a little better.
“There are currently no classes or licensing or anything like, and there’s no requirement from the state level,” he went on. “While we have a bicycle license in the city, which you must obtain in order to operate, there is nothing comparable for these. But maybe that’s something we should look into.”
In collaboration with the Avon Lake Police Department, the city created a video public service announcement (PSA) that is available on the city’s website and Facebook page. Kos encourages everyone in the city to watch the brief but important video.
Kos also stated that the Avon Lake Police Department has broad discretion when it comes to keeping the city safe in relation to these e-bikes. If officers observe reckless behavior or unsafe driving among e-bike riders, they can be cited, and officers can remove a rider from the e-bike and arrange for someone to pick them up.
Currently, Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited in Lorain County Metroparks.
