Helen Parry, Sea Point
Thank you for publishing your very fair article on electric vehicles on the seafront (Off My Trolley, May 1). I am only sorry that you received so much flak.
As for Mr Lazarus on his unicycle, the lawns are more at risk from him than I am. Nor is there any question of forcing him onto the road. I doubt it would be considered a legally roadworthy vehicle.
Walking along the promenade today, it is hard to remember how dangerous it was in January and February.
Then, I walked only feet from a young woman who was knocked over. Not by a surprise vehicle from behind but from one which approached us all head-on, could not stop and careened into her. Luckily, she seemed unhurt.
Another day, a bike brushed me so closely from behind that the hairs on the rider’s arms rubbed my bare arm. On another occasion, an out-of-control bike hit a legally parked van, causing damage. The rider put on a brave face, but it was clear he was in some pain.
Most people enjoy the festive atmosphere where walkers, joggers, tricycles, toddlers, pram-pushers, dog walkers, skateboarders, roller-skaters and conventional bicycles intermingle. If you add electric bikes, electric scooters, electric skateboards and Segways, some capable of 45km/* and incredible acceleration, many with first-time helmetless riders, it is certain to lead to accidents, injuries and deaths.
Some bikes weigh 30 kg and can carry 120 more, which at speed is quite a missile.
I expect the City has not declared any speed limits because it never occurred to it any would be necessary.
Thank you to Dr Dalvie for his support. Like him, I have long learnt not to make any sudden step or even to raise an arm, while stopping to turn around and check can be equally risky.
I enjoy reading your articles and only hope action is taken before next holiday season.
The European Union has limited electric bikes to 25km/* but these are pedal-assisted; when the rider stops pedalling the power is cut off, unlike those rented out here which just continue on.
The UK now imposes minimum age of 14. (ref. wikipedia)
Mitchell’s Plain Festival