Quantcast

Grand Rapids Reporter

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Stay Safe While Riding E-Bikes in EGR

Bicycles(1000)

City of East Grand Rapids issued the following announcement on Jan 4.

Electric bicycles are a convenient transportation service now available in EGR and the greater Grand Rapids area. An electric bicycle, or e-bike, is a bicycle that has a small rechargeable electric motor that can give a boost to the pedaling rider or, on some models, can power the bike on its own.

EGR Public Safety considers e-bikes of all classes to be regulated with the same rules as peddle bikes. Following are some tips that will help keep you safe while enjoying your ride:

  • Always ride WITH other traffic, not against it.
  • Obey the rules of the road as any other vehicle operator, including all traffic signs, lane markings and signals, and use hand signals to indicate turns, slowing and stopping.
  • Always wear a bicycle helmet and reflective clothing.
  • Stay as far to the right as practical when riding in traffic lanes.
  • Do not ride more than two abreast in a single lane.
  • Avoid entering the roadway without first stopping to look for vehicles.
  • Ride predictably and defensively, and NEVER ride while distracted or under the influence.
  • Always yield to pedestrians.
  • Ensure you have a white front headlight and a red rear reflector if riding after dark or in low light conditions. 
Please note bikes of all kinds are not permitted on/in:

  • Sidewalks in Gaslight Village
  • John Collins Park
  • Stone pathways, including at Waterfront Park
  • Any playground equipment and park or school property furnishings, including but not limited to railings, stairs, curbs, benches, concrete walls, bike racks, planters and trash cans
  • Tennis courts and the Canepa Tennis Center
  • Athletic fields, including Mehney, Memorial and Remington fields
  • Community track
You can learn more about e-bikes and their different classes on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.

Have questions? Call Public Safety at 616.949.7010 and one of our officers will be happy to discuss e-bike safety with you.

Original source can be found here.

Source: City of East Grand Rapids

MORE NEWS