Advocating for a review of police powers, recognising the growing safety issues resulting from increased use of e-bikes and e-scooters and introducing e-bike rider education were initiatives Noosa councillors voted unanimously for council to take up at their last ordinary meeting to improve community safety.
“If you were to jump on any Facebook site or community noticeboard weekly you’ll see community saying these e-bikes and e-scooters are misused,” Cr Jess Phillips, a former police officer, said as she put the formal motion to council.
“In my experience it’s only a matter of time before we see a fatality on our roads so I’m bringing this motion forward to address the growing usage of e-bikes and e-scooters in our shire.
“They are becoming increasingly popular offering alternatives to cars for short journeys. As a council we’ve been actively promoting active and sustainable transport options. We should be really proud of that. However this increase in usage has brought a significant concern to the forefront of our residents. “We’re seeing dangerous behaviour on our roads, reckless riding, lack of helmets, frequent near-misses with pedestrians and vehicles. Residents are increasingly reporting these dangers and it is clear that the current situation is putting both riders and the broader community at risk.”
Cr Phillips said speaking with local police about the current e-bike and e-scooter legislation made it apparent the laws were not sufficient to address the real dangers that we’re seeing everyday.
“The laws in place are not adequate to give the police powers required to give meaningful consequences to dangerous uses and this is not my incidences,” she said.
“We’re talking about potentially life-threatening situations. This is why I’m asking Noosa Council to formally advocate to the state government for a comprehensive review of this legislation because we need laws that are fit for purpose, providing the clarity of authority the police need to address rules that will protect everyone – riders, pedestrians and motorists.
“This review should address the key issues like speed limits, helmet use, safe riding for all age groups, but most importantly be legislation that’s straight forward and easy for police to enforce so dangerous behaviour on our roads is met with appropriate action. We must make our roads safe while continuing to promote active and sustainable transport options.”
Cr Brian Stockwell suggested Council request the CEO investigate extending their current Go Noosa school based program to include e-bike rider education.
Cr Stockwell suggested council look at providing subsidised education as an add-on to their existing program to teach school age riders not only road rules and road safety but how to use their bikes to their best advantage.
“Teenage years are ones where risk taking is part of the formula,” he said. “I know when I started riding a 100cc Yamaha I did a course up and down ramps, getting the balance right, going down the road and into the bush.
“It could be something we could do that kids want to do, that kids enjoy doing and at the same time giving the necessary skills and awareness of how to ride safely.”
Cr Nicola Wilson said e-bike safety was an issue councils were to discuss at the Local Government Authority of Queensland (LGAQ) conference held in October after it was put on the agenda by Sunshine Coast Council.
