Police On E-Bike Riding, Law Enforcement, More
“In recent weeks, the Bermuda Police Service has received an increasing number of reports regarding the manner of riding by persons who operate battery-powered fully electric bikes [e-bikes] and electric assisted pedal bikes, on Bermuda’s roads,” a police spokesperson said.
The police said, “These include reports of excessive speeds as well as dangerous riding by persons using this mode of transport.
“In light of the growing concern surrounding these issues, the public are advised that the Bermuda Police Service will be targeting traffic offences outlined in the Road Traffic Act 1947, which are applicable to all vehicles, including e-bikes and electric assisted pedal bikes, operated on the island’s roads.
“These offences include, but are not limited to:
- Speeding
- Riding in a careless manner
- Due care and attention
- Dangerous riding
- Failure to obey traffic signals or stop signs.
“Please note, the offences listed above are enforceable regardless of the type of pedal/electric cycle being ridden and irrespective of whether the rider is in possession of a valid driver’s licence at the time of the offence, or not.
“Enforcement action will be applied consistently and in accordance with established procedures.”
the motorized vehicle laws pertain to motors. Electric bikes and other electric vehicles use motors for transportation. They should by law require licenses to ride that reflect the power level of their motor. A slow electric bike should need a 50cc equivalent license type, and a more powerful motor should need a 150cc equivalent type.
“the motorized vehicle laws pertain to motors”
I am sure that is correct, although I do not know what “motorized vehicle laws” you are referring to.
The Road Traffic Act applies to every “conveyance” (except a baby carriage or perambulator) which is used for the transportation of passengers, animals, goods or other loads on a public road. No motor is required.
” the public are advised that the Bermuda Police Service will be targeting traffic offences outlined in the Road Traffic Act 1947″
That will be a pleasant change. Will that targeting last for 1 day or 2?
A special announcement that the police will actually be enforcing the law. Will it be for a whole weekend?
The greater concern is WHEN there is an accident. Insurance has to be mandatory for these vehicles! They are just as fast as at LEAST a 50cc and ridden by people under 16 which is another issue if it goes to court.
Bermuda gov has to move fast and change the law! Don’t drag feet and wait until an accident is bad enough that it gets the front page before you implement change.
There has to be some sympathy for the cop on the street.
He does his job, books the offender, completes all of the paperwork with no mistakes, sends the offender to court, has to appear in court to testify months later, then the offender gets off with barely a slap on the wrist.
Why bother?
Ever try to find a cop walking a beat on a street? A few on Front Street if you are lucky. Ever wonder why there is so little crime around coffee and pastry shops? BPS seems to avoid Court Street, where you can see drug deals go down in broad daylight.
That said, remember that about 30% of BPS is non-Bermudian. That was a few years ago. The main reason for non-Bermudans, per my high-level contacts at BPS who are now all retired, is that a Bermudian officer typically has a problem arresting their neighbors, friends, relatives, schoolmates, etc. Serious crimes are, of course, a different situation.
In the first year I moved here, I lost count of how many times I was stopped by BPS. Never ticketed, never charged, just looked suspicious, conducting an investigation, etc. After I made friends, BPS backed off when I dropped names of their superiors to call as references.
I would love to see a Police presence ..just once or twice.
Harrinton Sound Rd to Devils Hole…South shore to Spittal Pond and up Knapton Hill. Its like a race track every single morning..with bikes and cars overtaking on Knapton Hill. Today a bike seemed to deliberately swerve towards my husband (doing his walk) just by Harrington Hundreds grocery and veering away ladt minute like he was playing chicken. Ben Smith has been approached about this bur feels speed bumps would hinder emergency vehicles. We’ll they seem to be everywhere else. Can the Police PLEASE make their presence known…
Dude on bike riding at speed, no helme heading West daily.
Whatever happened to the law of bikes/cars overtaking and if they didnt get themselves in behind the vehicle in front of them and bikes in the 3rd lane was both a mandatory ticket for Due care and attention. Bring back that law please and have some control of these law breakers on the roads. And overtaking a police car or bike was definitely a no no.
“Bring back that law please”
The law has not changed, the police just stopped enforcing traffic laws consistently 20 or more years ago.