Originally Posted by
Joe Bikerider
I ride regularly on the Contra Costa Canal trail and it's perpendicular friend the Iron Horse Trail. Contra Costa County, East Bay Area, California. (whew). The last couple days I've experienced several dangerous encounters with E-things. First was a couple of young boys riding powered scooters weaving in and out of pedestrians. Schools out lets go?! They both looked to have very large batteries, maybe legal but certainly not legal behavior. Next was another young man who sped past me on a fat bike with tons of power and no apparent need to pedal as he sped past. Third, a middle aged man who maybe could have pedaled but instead just zoomed up the slight hill into and through the tunnel under I680. Two other E bikes passed me at speed. I know there are so many people saying they are just keeping up with their age and blah blah blah. But I don't ride to be on a motorcycle track. This is now out of control and I'm sick out it.. Incidents have be reported to the EBRPD. Regards.
Ca. defines class 1 use as pedal assist or throttle up to 20mph. However, many paths have speed limits of 15mph. Call and report speeders! There will be a subset of ebike users who are careless and reckless, just like there are a subset of regular bike riders who race in packs and go way too fast on paths as well. I sometimes put a motor on my bike, depending on where I'm going, but even though it can go fast, I don't exceed 15mph on bike paths, especially if there are kids. I've already had to dump my bike (sans motor) to avoid a toddler who broke free from a parent. I totaly believe e-bikes should be legal on pathways and the majority of riders are using them responsibly (you don't notice them because they are not speeding). Those who don't deserve to be ticketed. I've reported lycra roadies who are doing 24mph in a group on the Bay Trail where it is marked 15mph. Not cool with families around and runners, etc.