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Britain’s illegal e-bike boom: desperation, delivery drivers – and unthinkable danger
(www.theguardian.com)
this post was submitted on 04 Sep 2025
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I’ve cycled and walked in London for the last 10+ years. These silent and deadly speeders are super dangerous. I’ve seen several crashes on their account. As a cyclist, they overtake you a great speed; as a pedestrian they can be much closer much quicker than expected forcing you to misjudge if you can cross.
Yes they are dangerous. I can’t believe you need to have this explained to you.
Also the article literally gives you a clear cut case of exactly the danger of a pedestrian misjudging timings on account of their crazy speed - ended up dying. But it’s all just a joke to you of course.
Yeah, the word choice of "unthinkable" is indeed a joke
Not only that, they cycle on the pavement, they cycle on cycle lanes in the wrong freaking direction and then have the nerve to click their tongues at me as though I'm in the wrong. They're a scourge. They're the reason I feel safer on the road than the cycle lane. My ex saw a woman get hit by one as she was crossing at a green man. She had two little girls with her, it could have been even worse.
I'd rather the cops spent a bit of time dealing with this than arresting pensioners for holding a placard.
I totally agree. I have a legal ebike and make sure I'm safe and within the law. I don't want to risk my driving license, or injuring anybody.
Ebikes are generally a lot heavier than a normal push bikes. The stopping distance is terrible especially down a hill. If I were to go at high speeds on it then it would be very dangerous. I should think top-end ebike have good brakes but most of the cheaper one, such as mine, do not. I am keen on upgrading the brakes though.