DANVILLE, CALIFORNIA – Imagine a teenager hurtling into you at over 20 mph as you walk in the park, riding on what amounts to a small electric motorcycle.
That’s the nightmare scenario Danville, California wants to avoid as it contemplates the proper response to a rise in the use of e-bikes in the town.
E-bikes are electric bicycles, powered by a battery and a small electric motor. As battery technology has improved, e-bikes have gotten faster.
Danville residents now report that teenagers and others are riding bikes recklessly in the city. This includes riding on sidewalks and other places where the fast, heavy bikes are more likely to cause injuries.
In response, the Danville Town Council held a study session this week to discuss bike and scooter safety.
The town has also partnered with the San Ramon Valley School District on outreach efforts to teens, educating them on the right way to use bikes.
That’s a similar approach to the one taken by Walnut Creek, which held a bike rally this week with similar training goals in mind.
Danville has also passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of e-bikes and e-scooters on sidewalks.
Amid public concern, it’s possible that the city will go further. Several Marin County towns have banned certain e-bikes outright. It’s not clear whether Danville will do this, but given that the city includes miles of trails — including the popular Iron Horse Trail — it seems that all solutions are on the table.
Have you had a close call with an e-bike? Email tom@bayareatelegraph.com to let us know.
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Some of these “e-bikes” are closer to motorcycles than bikes. I thought the law restricted them to pedal assist, with top speeds of <15mph, but I see many with significantly faster and with just a throttle…..and I have yet to see any law enforcement stopping obvious violators.