Reckless ebike users put all of us at risk | Letter

Original article by

There may be something in the argument identified by Andy Beckett that increased use of ebikes reflects broader changes in urban areas, including the cost of housing (Lime bikes hurtling around the city: is this the revenge of a priced-out generation?, 8 August). Yet none of that excuses the sheer impunity that radiates from ebike users, worsened by the design of city bikes which encourage the rider to sit back as if on a magic steed from which to survey their kingdom.

Their irresponsibility imposes externalities on other road users and pedestrians: riding through red lights and across junctions with no heed to other traffic, wearing headphones (but seemingly never helmets), being on the phone or apparently scrolling while riding, carelessly weaving just to maintain a conversation, riding far too fast on paths shared with pedestrians, dropping bikes like litter. As for riding home after drinking in the pub – seriously?

As a helmet-wearing cyclist, it is maddening to dodge people who seem barely familiar with a bike, let alone being in traffic. The behaviour needs to change. In the first instance, that must be through regulation and for riders and suppliers to be liable for the consequences of their actions, which sadly are sometimes serious.
Kevin Lloyd
Highbury, London

• Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.