[dmartinez]

I tend to agree with you about e-bikes. A class 3 can go up to 28 MPH from the manufacturer, and getting them to go faster is an easy modification.

For anyone that isn’t aware, a Sur Ron X is essentially an electric dirt bike that can get up to 50 MPH when modified.

[asdff]

So what? I can go 45 mph on a human powered road bike downhill. 28mph isn't as scary as it seems and you'd be glad you had that speed when you have to inevitably take that ebike into mixed traffic with cars. I believe for motorcycles they say speed is safety for similar reasons, to be able to escape somewhat from dangerous car situations going on all around your spongy soft body.

[dmartinez]

I enjoy riding e-bikes, for the record. Going fast on an e-bike is like having happiness on tap. I think more people should own them so that we can collectively start to realize a different way of organizing transportation and commute.

Regarding safety, when it is a bike vs a car, I agree that having more speed is better and safer for the cyclist.

But the issue is when we have a bike vs a pedestrian. I've been a pedestrian next to groups of fast moving e-bikes. It can be pretty scary. Some cyclists can feel entitled to riding on the sidewalk, which at high speeds can really injure someone if they were to crash. E-bikes also weigh a lot more than a non-ebike (up to 120lb in some cases) so getting hit at top speed is a bigger deal than a normal bike.

My overall point is that I think cyclists need to start behaving more like vehicles, rather than fast-moving pedestrians. Obviously we need more investment in biking infrastructure for that to happen, but with how fun and useful e-bikes are, I am optimistic that will eventually happen. As e-bikes become more common, I expect this to become a bigger part of the conversation.

[mancerayder]

>My overall point is that I think cyclists need to start behaving more like vehicles, rather than fast-moving pedestrians. Obviously we need more investment in biking infrastructure for that to happen, but with how fun and useful e-bikes are, I am optimistic that will eventually happen. As e-bikes become more common, I expect this to become a bigger part of the conversation.

I agree, but there needs to be enforcement of laws against cyclists and e-bikers. The entitlement of sidewalk riding and red light running, in pedestrian cities that already have bike lanes like NYC, needs to be counterbalanced with fear of consequences.

[asdff]

It would be easier for cyclists to behave like vehicles if they actually had infrastructure available. No one is going 28mph on a sidewalk by the way. Honestly going much faster than a light jog is sketchy enough with all the utility poles, cracked sidewalks, debris, foliage, even living situations, that one is liable to encounter on the sidewalk, imo.