E-bikes could get faster, more powerful and not require pedaling, in a move announced today by UKGOV. Cycling organizations are opposed to the plans.

  • MeanEYE
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    1219 days ago

    Kind of stupid idea. There is a place and need for light weight transport that is assisted bicycle. Our law classifies these (and electric scooters) as light electric vehicles and has special set of rules for them. Things like when driving on pedestrian paths they can’t move faster than 5km/h. On roads maximum is 25km/h but they have to wear reflective west. Kids must wear helmets, etc. For the most part sensible requirements.

    That said I am of the opinion everyone should take a test to participate in traffic, bicycles included. For bikes there aren’t many rules they need to know anyway. They can skip almost all of the signs except those for the right of way. So it would be easy test but a necessary one. And simply bar kids on bicycles in traffic lanes and that’s it. Safest for everyone.

    • @southernbrewer
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      119 days ago

      It’s hard to balance on a bike at 5km/h so that rule alone rules out bicycles from riding on a footpath, which is fine IMO

      • MeanEYE
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        119 days ago

        Not impossible but I think the idea is to make bicycles less annoying to pedestrians.