Advocates for cycling and walking are urging immediate reforms on the management of shared e-bikes in Sydney, following an appeal from Lord Mayor Clover Moore. Despite her year-old request for the NSW government to impose regulations and limit the number of e-bikes distributed annually, no progress has been made. Moore has reported numerous complaints regarding speeding and reckless behaviour involving e-bikes, insisting that the state should not offload these responsibilities onto already strained local councils.
In her latest mayoral update, Moore highlighted that many food delivery cyclists resort to footpaths, perceiving them as safer routes. She stressed that these riders deserve safe conditions, calling for better actions from SafeWork NSW. The city recorded nearly 2 million e-bike trips last year, with projections indicating a rise to 2.6 million in the current year. While police have the authority to fine offenders and councils can confiscate bikes under certain conditions, Moore noted that the City of Sydney lacks sufficient storage for impounded bikes.
Furthermore, she expressed concern over discussions to legalise e-bike use on footpaths and highlighted a state government proposal allowing e-scooters on shared paths if ridden by individuals over 16. A state parliamentary inquiry report last May did not yield a clear regulatory approach, and Moore referred to a recent fatal incident involving an e-scooter in Perth as a stark warning against inaction.
Critics of Moore, including Harold Scrooby from the Pedestrian Council of Australia, accused her of inaction, suggesting that all central business district areas should be designated as dismount zones to improve pedestrian safety. Scrooby expressed frustration over the continued dominance of food delivery cyclists, many of whom ride modified bikes, potentially jeopardising pedestrian safety.
Support for reform is coming from various quarters, including Bicycle NSW chief executive Peter McLean, who called for the prompt finalisation and implementation of the draft shared e-bike framework, which has been in development for several years.
Moore’s call for action aligns with broader community concerns regarding e-bikes and e-scooters, particularly about unsafe parking and pedestrian safety. A spokesperson from Transport for NSW acknowledged these issues and indicated that the government is actively working on legislation to regulate shared transport schemes and legalise e-scooters, engaging with councils and stakeholders to ensure that reforms align with community expectations.