Blanket cycle ban considered by Birmingham City Council 'won't stop illegal electric bike use'

Posted on 19 Nov 2024

 Banning cycling in Birmingham city centre will not prevent the use of illegal electric transport, according to cycling news outlet Cycling Weekly, following reports of the council considering a proposed ban on cycling, including e-bikes, through busy pedestrian areas in the city centre.

The consideration of the ban comes as the number of illegal battery-powered bikes used for deliveries continues to rise. Adam Becket, News Editor for Cycling Weekly, has emphasised that these modes of transport are effectively electric motorbikes rather than e-bikes and should be classified accordingly.

“These are not e-bikes as they exceed the legal speed and power limits for pedal-assist bicycles. They are electric motorbikes, and lumping them together with bicycles is misleading and unhelpful,” Becket said.

To address the issue, Becket suggested a targeted approach involving stricter enforcement of laws against illegal powered bikes, arguing that this would be more effective than restricting cycling for all.

Becket added: “What’s needed is better policing of these illegal vehicles and clearer public education about the differences between legal e-bikes and illegal electric motorbikes,” Becket added.

Duncan Dollimore of Cycling UK also criticised the proposed ban, describing it as “completely at odds” with Birmingham’s transport targets. He noted the city has recently encouraged cycling as a sustainable mode of transport.

“Birmingham needs to provide more safe spaces for cycling, not fewer. This ban risks undermining the progress made in promoting active travel,” Dollimore said.

In response to the Birmingham council’s consideration of the ban, Jonathan Harrison, Director of ACT, said: “Illegal electric bike use won’t be stopped by banning cycling in cities; it’ll just inconvenience those who want to make our urban areas a better place.”

The scrutiny over the proposed ban, along with the categorisation of these illegal modes of transport as ‘e-bikes’ from mainstream media outlets including the BBC, comes after the launch of the E-Bike Positive campaign from the ACT. The initiative aims to ensure fair and accurate reporting of e-bike-related news while promoting the positive aspects of e-bike usage.

Mr Harrison said: "We've observed a concerning trend in some media outlets where the term 'e-bike' is being used inappropriately or sensationally. This not only misrepresents the nature of e-bikes but also risks damaging public perception of what is an increasingly popular and sustainable mode of transport."

The campaign aims to challenge misinformation, with a recent BBC article on an accident reported to be linked to the use of an e-bike successfully contested by an ACT member. The campaign is looking to educate the general public to make informed purchase decisions, avoid risks, and be encouraged to enjoy the many benefits of e-bikes for transport or leisure.

To learn more about the ACT's e-Bike Positive campaign, click here.