The debate over electric bikes and their safety on the roads has been a hot topic in recent times. While the concerns about e-bike riders breaking rules and causing accidents are valid, it’s essential to put things into perspective. Cars, which have been around for over a century, pose a much greater threat to public safety than e-bikes.
Every year, over 40,000 people die in car crashes in the US alone. Thousands more are injured, neighborhoods are divided by high-speed traffic, and children struggle to walk to school safely. Despite these alarming statistics, the focus seems to be on the relatively few accidents involving e-bikes. This skewed perspective is evident in the way lawmakers and the public react to e-bike incidents compared to car accidents.
In cities like New York, where e-bike usage is high, the number of pedestrian deaths caused by e-bike accidents is minimal compared to those caused by cars. Yet, the negative attention is often directed towards e-bike riders rather than addressing the larger issue of car-related fatalities.
Cars are not only responsible for a significant number of deaths and injuries but are also used as weapons in deliberate attacks. This normalcy of car violence in our society is concerning, yet the focus remains on regulating e-bikes rather than addressing the root cause of the problem.
While it’s essential to promote safe e-bike practices, such as education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements, it’s equally important to acknowledge that cars are the real menace on our roads. The convenience and familiarity of cars have overshadowed their dangers, while e-bikes are unfairly demonized for minor infractions.
In the quest for safer streets, let’s not overlook the real threat posed by cars. By shifting the focus from e-bikes to cars and addressing issues like speeding, distracted driving, and reckless behavior, we can truly make our roads safer for everyone. It’s time to stop scapegoating e-bikes and start addressing the true menace on our streets – the car.
