E-bike riders cause cyclist injuries in Hammersmith

Cyclists in London are reporting increasing danger from e-bikes that are ridden recklessly or have been illegally modified to exceed speed limits. Two women have recently suffered serious injuries in separate incidents in Hammersmith, highlighting concerns about the safety of these vehicles on city roads.

A Cyclist's Ordeal

Morwenna Hughes, a cyclist with 25 years of experience in London, was riding on the two-way cycle lane along King Street in Hammersmith on 16 June when she was struck by an e-bike rider. The collision resulted in a hit-and-run incident that left her with a shattered arm, requiring surgery with plates and screws. Doctors have indicated she may only regain 70% of her arm's movement after extensive physiotherapy, potentially impacting her mobility long-term. The incident has significantly shaken her confidence, making her anxious even as a pedestrian in areas with e-bike traffic.

Hughes noted that while cars were previously her primary concern, she now perceives recklessly ridden e-bikes as a greater danger, with their numbers seeming to grow on her commute. She believes that the pay-per-minute rental model for some e-bikes encourages unsafe behaviour, such as running red lights, due to riders' desire to reach their destinations quickly and a perceived lack of accountability.

Another Serious Collision

In a separate incident, Jane Ouartsi sustained severe injuries after being hit by a minor riding a rental e-bike. Her injuries included a broken femur, a fractured collar bone, and two spinal fractures, necessitating three operations and a 36-day hospital stay. According to reports from BBC London, the police took no action against the boy involved, and Ouartsi has received no compensation from the rental operator, Lime. The company had not contacted Ouartsi or her family since the incident was reported.

Calls for Regulation

Tom Fyans of the London Cycling Campaign stated that illegal e-bikes, which can exceed 15.5mph and do not require pedalling, have no place on London's streets. He acknowledged that legal e-bikes can encourage more people to cycle, offering health and environmental benefits, but stressed the need to address illegal modifications and ensure all road users adhere to the Highway Code. Hughes advocates for e-bike registration, a review of two-way cycle lane safety, and increased police resources to stop reckless riders, particularly those on privately owned, illegally fast e-bikes.

City Hall and the government currently have no plans to introduce mandatory registration for e-bikes. However, the dockless e-bike operator Forest has begun fitting identification plates to 500 of its bikes in Richmond as a measure to deter reckless riding. The Metropolitan Police have been conducting operations aimed at curbing the use of illegally modified e-bikes.

What Happens Next

It is unclear if Hammersmith and Fulham council, which owns the King Street cycle lane, will implement any changes following the incident involving Morwenna Hughes. The Metropolitan Police continue their operations against illegal e-bikes.