Residents back MP on e-bikes 'threat' warning

Residents spoke out after a Sheffield MP suggested e-bikes posed a threat to public safety

People in Sheffield have spoken out against the irresponsible use of electric bikes, after a local MP raised concerns in the House of Commons.

Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts warned on Monday of the "threat to public safety" posed by e-bikes and e-scooters.

People in the city centre told the BBC about the "danger" of e-bikes being ridden on pavements, especially to anyone with mobility, visual or hearing difficulties.

'More and more reckless'

Peter Wood, 65, said e-bikes ridden by delivery drivers sometimes went "as fast as cars" on pavements

Peter Wood, who lives in Kelham Island, said the bikes "whoosh by".

The 65-year-old said: "I sometimes think if I just happened to put my arm out he'd have hit me, he'd have gone in the road and there'd be a significant accident.

"It's a risk of life".

He said Sheffield's authorities were too "obsessed" with creating cycle lanes combined with pedestrian pavements.

"It's ridiculous, especially now given their speed," he said.

"It used to be just cyclists trundling along but these machines are just too fast. People are becoming more and more reckless."

Mr Wood said a cycling proficiency test or compulsory training were needed.

"The ones which go as fast as cars should have some sort of training or licence," he said.

'It does scare you'

Wendy and Philip Norton, visiting grandchildren in Sheffield, said e-bikes were a real issue for anyone with mobility or hearing issues

Wendy and Philip Norton, from Lincolnshire, who were visiting grandchildren, said e-bikes ridden on pavements were especially problematic for people with mobility or hearing issues.

They said they could also be dangerous for young children.

"They shouldn't be ridden on pavements," Mrs Norton said.

"You don't know they're coming. For pedestrians like me with a crutch, or if you have a pushchair, it does scare you. And they should only be ridden by adults, not by children."

Mr Norton added: "Because I'm deaf I can't hear them coming.

"And we have to keep looking for the kids."

'Must have helmet and bell'

Cyclist Kevin Revill, 67, from Gleadless, said all e-bike and e-scooter riders should wear helmets and have a bell for safety

Keen cyclist Kevin Revill said e-bike and e-scooter riders should all wear a helmet and use a bell to warn others as they approach.

The 67-year-old, from Gleadless, said: "It's dangerous but what can you do?

"They're supposed to ride on the road but I'm a cyclist and I wouldn't want to be on the road on a bike without a helmet.

"But it's dangerous on the path, they trap. And they haven't got a bell to let people know they're coming."

'Must be safe on both sides'

Shahwar from Nether Edge said e-bikes and e-scooters were "alright" as long as they were used safely

Shahwar, 44, said: "It's all about safety.

"If there's a safe cycle lane then fair enough.

"But [pedestrians] are at a disadvantage, they're not wearing helmets.

"There should be safety implications but other than that I think it's alright to use them.

"As long as it's safe on both sides."

'Increasing problem'

Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield South East, said e-bikes were a "threat to public safety" in the city

Speaking in the Commons on Monday, Mr Betts raised the issue of delivery drivers coming up fast behind people on pavements.

He said: "The use of e-bikes and e-scooters has become an increasing problem in Sheffield city centre pedestrian areas.

"They are a threat now to public safety, particularly when used by Deliveroo and other drivers."

In response, Home Office Minister Diana Johnson said the government would soon set out its plans to crack down on antisocial road use.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) warned near-silent e-scooters and e-bikes were hard to see and hear, so could make people "nervous about using their local town and city centres".

It said they were "driving people with sight loss away from using local cafes, restaurants or shops".

Guide Dogs said despite sharing safety information with rental operators and local authorities, e-scooters and e-bikes were still left on pavements, blocking the way.

"There’s desperate need for better public education about the law, joined-up enforcement, and a clear decision from government," the charity said.

"If private e-scooters are allowed, they should be properly controlled.

"If these controls are not implemented, they simply shouldn’t be sold in the first place.”

'Riders must follow regulations'

Food delivery company Deliveroo said it "takes its responsibilities seriously for riders and communities" and all riders were given road safety training, including instructions to never ride on the pavement.

“All our riders are required to meet minimum safety standards and must follow all local traffic laws and road regulations, a condition of their service agreement," Deliveroo said.

"If incidents are reported to us involving riders, we investigate and work with the authorities to take appropriate action where necessary.”

The RNIB said it was working with the Department for Transport, local and combined authorities, and operators to advise on measures to ensure the vehicles are kept separate from pedestrians.

Sheffield City Council said its streets had to be "safe and welcoming for everyone" and that it was committed to working with police and food delivery companies.

South Yorkshire Police said traffic officers regularly engaged with delivery drivers to offer safety advice.

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