Ebikes, Scooters, and Safety!

Comment on Facebook: I’m a senior. I use a cane, sometimes a wheelchair, and I walk my dog. Yesterday an e-bike nearly ran me down. I was on the side of the path with my cane when I heard someone behind me — no warning, no “on your left,” just a rush of speed and then a crash and an apology. That could have been me on the ground. That could have been my dog. It’s getting terrifying to walk where I live.
If you ride an e-bike, slow down. Say what you’re doing. Give people space. Remember that not everyone can hear you, move quickly, or leap out of the way. Rant over — please be kinder and less reckless.

MY REPLY: I was downtown and a guy on a scooter or skateboard or something was ripping down the sidewalk. I stepped to look at something and he tried to avoid me but he went down hard. There wasn't really much he could say, he was going at least 20km/h on the freaking sidewalk!! We need to do something about all the scooters, ebikes, skateboards, etc running rampant through our city.


​Comment on Facebook: They should a bell and use it. Should be mandatory. I ring it and people always thank. It’s these kids who refuse to follow the rules of the trails. Pedal bikes too I’ve been almost hit. People need to respect pedestrians on the trails 100%

MY REPLY: I've said that every scooter/ebike/bicycle/etc sold in Red Deer should come with a mandatory helmet AND a bell or warning device installed at time of purchase. We could make it a bylaw that these units sold in our city require them, even when sold by a private business. It's time to put safety first in our community! We also need the yellow line repainted on the trails to reeducate people on the difference between right lane and left instead of just flying crazy all over the paths that are used by bicycles and pedestrians.