E-bike safety sessions attract crowd

MORE than 350 people attended three pop-up events in the Tweed earlier this month, raising awareness about e-bikes and safe riding rules.

At a time when community concern is growing over the issue, Tweed Shire Council collaborated with Transport NSW and NSW Police to provide information and answer questions.

Council road safety officer Lily Morgan said the Tweed offered beautiful riding routes, which meant increased traffic.

“We’re seeing more bikes, e-bikes and illegal e-scooters out on our shared paths and roads, especially during school holidays,” Morgan said.

“Both riders and pedestrians were keen to hear the information first-hand and asked questions to understand expectations.

“This included where cyclists can ride, how to have conversations as a family about rules and regulations, what ‘safe speed’ looks like in different conditions and the importance of safe passing distances,” she said.

The events occurred in the lead-up to a NSW Police blitz, during which officers actively patrolled and issued fines for e-bike and e-scooter violations.

“We will continue to work with NSW Police and Transport for NSW to educate the community about safe road use,” Morgan said.

“While many riders follow the rules, incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters are on the rise, and we don’t want to see anybody getting hurt.”

For more information, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/e-bikes .