E-bike safety

A serious collision Wednesday night in Hamilton involving an E-bike and an SUV, along with reports of multiple recent collisions in Toronto, are raising concerns about bicycle safety.

Around 10 pm Wednesday night a 39 year old man was rushed to the hospital in serious condition after he was hit while riding his e-bike on Barton st at Stirton.

Police won’t say if they’ve determined who was at fault but did point out that cyclists must understand the consequences.

“A bicycle or E-bike or anything like a vehicle involved in a collision with a car, they are treated the same way, just like a car even though they don’t have insurance. All the same charges could be applied if you fail to stop at a stop sign, went through a red light, if you improperly came out onto the road, those types of charges apply. No different than a car.” Claus Wagner, Hamilton police.

So far this year there have been six E-bicycle collisions on the streets of Hamilton. Police say people have to be responsible for their safety and the safety of others around them.