Say NO to Mandatory E-Bike License Plates and Registrations [California]

https://lemmy.world/post/43383922

Say NO to Mandatory E-Bike License Plates and Registrations [California] - Lemmy.World

cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/34367979 [https://slrpnk.net/post/34367979] > More barriers to cycling means more cars which means more dead cyclists. Help us defeat this terrible anti-safety bill.

I dunno man.

A small vehicle, that can rip along streets at similar speeds to mopeds and motor bikes?

I’m very in favour of wider adoption. But carte blanche for any kid or fuckhead to lobotomise themselves or others needs a second look.

At least you started your comment by making it clear that you don’t know.

There are already clearly defined laws and definitions for ebike classes, which are distinct from mopeds and motorcycles.

Its not carte blanche or wild west or any other silly idiom.

The problem isn’t ebikes. The problem is unlicensed electric motorcycles.

Ebikes blow cars out of the water with how much much more environmentally friendly and cost effective they are.

If kids are ripping along the streets on illegal electric motorcycles, what we need is law enforcement, not new laws targeted at those who already are following the existing law.

I agree with the spirit of your post. Entirely.

Yes, enforcement is certainly an issue.

However, here in Ontario any moped that has pedals is an e-bike, legally speaking. I’ve seen one with the most limp-twisted effort to qualify as a bike and be therefore street legal. But it still has all the qualities that cause me concern.

What we need is better classifications. A small standing e-scooter that can’t break 15kph shouldn’t be treated the same as a moped with pedals that can get 60kph.

For content, here in California we do have ebike classifications that are a little more detailed than pedals means bicycle. There are three classes, and the fastest (class 3) are not legal for middle school ages. We even have a law on the books that makes it illegal to sell ebikes that can be software/app changes into a different class.

This really is a push to outlaw all ebikes, especially since the resp is from Orinda. They hate bikes there, even regular push bikes.

what we need is law enforcement

Cool. You want the cops to start executing children on the streets for not obeying commands.

Don’t we all? /s

In seriousness, what you’re pointing out is a problem but we’re talking about two different things.

My main point is that we don’t need a new law.

I believe you’re saying that our police are horrible and that enforcing the existing law may end up brutalizing the population.

I think we agree.

If they’re driving a bike or any other type of vehicle including roller skates (exceptions can be made for non motorised wheelchairs with a medical certificate) on the sidewalk I very damn well do, yes.

Well, without the command thing. Or the shooting.

Just take them away quietly and dispose of them and their accursed wheeled contraption in as painful a way as possible somewhere where it won’t bother civilised people.

I think those are all good points except the last one. You do not want cops running down kids on bikes on a hunch that they or their bike aren’t compliant with something that can’t be accurately assessed from a distance. Good transportation requires a combination of education, infrastructure, and enforcement. In the case of kids using electric motorcycles I think a lot of the first thing with a healthy helping of the second thing are where the focus should be. Teach kids responsible use in school, maybe lower the learner permit age for electric motorcycles use, and get better facilities for non-motorized vehicles so kids don’t require a motor or engine to safely travel longer distances.
The solution to the world’s problems is less people not more people, if idiots want to lobotomize themselves by being a idiot on a scooter then that’s all the better for society
And they people they harm in the process?
Yeah. I have to agree. The amount of e-bikes that decide what rules to follow at the drop of a hat is way to high. Oh, light is red, but walk lane says go? Jumps in cross walk and nearly runs over everyone. Oh theres a turn signal at a traffic light? Jumps from sidewalk to turn lane.