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Posted: Fri November 22, 2024
The Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales has pledged to tackle “the problem of e-bikes causing danger” on streets across the region.
It comes after an increase in the number of complaints about improper use of e-bikes, all-terrain bikes and e-scooters.
A number of accidents and injuries among pedestrians have also been reported.
During Antisocial Behavior (ASB) Awareness Week – running from November 18 to 24 – the PCC pledges to take further action on behalf of residents on this important issue and make the streets of North Wales safer for everyone.
At the recent North Wales Police Strategic Board meeting on October 30, the PCC carried out a road safety review to examine the issue of e-bikes and other similar forms of transport.
During the meeting, Andy Dunbobbin and his team met with North Wales Police Chief Officers to assess the overall performance of the force, including against the priorities set out in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan.
The Chief Constable provided an update on the performance of North Wales Police and how North Wales Police is approaching the issue of off-road motorcycles, e-bikes and e-scooters.
Officers from North Wales Police have in the past undertaken initiatives, such as Operation Blue Takeoff, to tackle the illegal use of off-road bicycles and, where necessary, confiscate them.
Earlier this year, officers from the Rural Crime Team also launched an operation against off-road bikes being ridden illegally and anti-socially in rural areas of Wrexham, Denbighshire and Flintshire.
The PCC is currently writing its Police and Crime Plan for North Wales, which sets priorities for policing in the area over the next four years.
This plan has been drawn up after consultation with thousands of local people over the summer.
It is expected that the problem of inappropriate riding on e-bikes and e-scooters will be included in the plan.
Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, said: “The issue of e-bikes, e-scooters and also off-road bikes being ridden inappropriately is one that has been raised with me time and time again in recent months. has been brought.
“It was a key issue mentioned by many people during the public consultation I recently held for my upcoming Police and Crime Plan for North Wales.
“Members of the region’s Police and Crime Panel have also raised their community’s concerns on this issue during meetings I have had with them.
“The safety of these bikes and scooters is therefore clearly of concern to many North Wales residents and recent accidents have shown that this is an area where we must remain vigilant.
“Police are developing ways of dealing with when they are used for anti-social behaviour, an approach I fully support.
“As PCC, I remain committed to working with the Chief Constable to address public concerns around e-bikes, e-scooters and off-road bicycles.
“Many cyclists use e-scooters and e-bikes correctly and with care for pedestrians, but there is a minority who do not and they need to know that their behavior is unacceptable.
“I am determined that our streets should be safe for everyone, whether pedestrians, riders or motorists – there is no excuse for endangering others or causing injury through reckless driving.”
For more information about ASB in North Wales and how to report it, visit the North Wales Police website.
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