E-bikes: finding a balance

What are we going to do about all of these e-bikes?

More specifically, what are we going to do about all of these kids on these e-bikes? And e-scooters? More likely than not, you’ve almost been hit by one of these things while driving or walking around town.

Sidewalks were made for walking. Streets were made for driving.

It seems like once a week the police department is responding to a crash between an e-bike and a car. And nearly 100% of the time, it’s the fault of a young kid or teen who isn’t watching where they’re going.

One of these days someone is going to be seriously hurt, or worse.

The Gillette City Council has heard not one but two exhilarating presentations on this topic.

I’ve seen kids ride across South Douglas Highway just quickly enough to avoid getting hit, ignoring the crosswalks 30 seconds to the left and right of them. They’re gambling with their lives, just to save a minuscule amount of time. But that’s not unique to children on e-scooters and e-bikes, that’s just what human beings like to do.

Much like riding a bike, there needs to be balance on this. But how do we get there?

When the city surveyed the public on this issue, the number of people who thought e-bikes should be banned on sidewalks and pathways was nearly identical to the number of people who thought these things should be allowed on sidewalks and pathways. That’s amazing to me. On what other issue would you get that type of split here in Gillette?

The state needs to come up with some clear definitions on the vehicles, which will make the communities’ decisions a bit easier.

Will more rules prevent injuries? Probably. But when it comes to rules, some kids follow them and some kids don’t. Same with adults.

That’s just how we humans are. Probably. Will more education help? Maybe, if it’s engaging and fun. The Campbell County School District is blessed to have school resource officers. Maybe having an SRO ride around the school gym on a little e-bike while telling kids the basic rules of traffic would help. If nothing else, it would make for a hilarious image.

Now, if we had more bike paths and bike lanes in this town, and if our drivers were less antagonistic to bicycles, that would increase safety, but we can’t have that. After all, the local fearmongers will tell you that if Gillette becomes a bicycle-friendly town, we’re only a few steps away from becoming a liberal hellscape.

On the bright side, it’s great that kids are spending time outside, even if some of them are causing havoc on the sidewalks. Here in Gillette, children still grab their fishing poles and ride their bikes to the lake, just like they did back in the days of The Andy Griffith Show.

If there are steps we can do to keep them safe, or at least less susceptible to danger, we should take those steps.

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