E-Bike and Scooter Safety
Asked by Anonymous · 19 days ago
What are the council doing to prevent young riders of e-bikes and scooters. There have been at least 2 accidents in my subdivision involving pre teens/young teens riding e-bikes hitting small children. Are parents being charged for allowing this underage use? Are licenses required to use motorized bikes and scooters in New Tecumseth?
Jaison Waldman's answer
Safety concerns require actions.
Ontario laws require riders to be aged 16 or older, wear an approved helmet and follow the same rules of the road as other cyclists.
You can not ride on municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths where prohibited etc.
Laws and Bylaws are in place. On a related side note, we have laws prohibiting handheld devices while driving; but it happens too often.
Teenagers and children test boundaries which they identify by observing the adults around them.
So we need to bring the consequences to the parents so the are able to take corrective action. We are all responsible for the examples that we are and can show good behavior or the results of poor choices. Adults have to be grown up and not expect the government to teach responsible behaviors.
Where the adults (parents) are allowing risk, there are corrective measures that can be taken.
But before we criticize we must examine the options. How do we expect the kids to get around? Without busses or safe paths to use, just crossing the street is a risky exercise.
We need to give them a better way to get to places safely. Please share any ideas you have on how we can do it better. Accessible transportation that works in all seasons.
