Justice Minister asked to combat dangerous use of e-bikes in Wicklow
The Wicklow PeopleDistrict councillors in Bray have written to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan to convey their “serious concern” regarding the current spate of reckless and dangerous behaviour by masked youths on electric bikes around the town.
Residents and visitors have reported repeated incidents of individuals operating bikes at speed, waving dangerously in and out of traffic, and mounting footpaths endangering pedestrians and motorists.
Elected members believe the behaviour is causing a significant amount of fear and distress within the community, posing a risk of serious injury.
“We are deeply concerned that this activity appears to be occurring with impunity, with little or no visible law enforcement response.”
Considering this, councillors have asked for a reply to three questions.
Why is this activity not currently subject to clear and effective law enforcement? What immediate actions are being taken to address these incidents in Bray and similar communities? What specific plans are in place to ensure that public spaces remain safe for all road users and pedestrians in the face of this growing problem?
Cllr Joe Behan, who raised the issue at a recent district meeting, believes it needs to be addressed urgently.
“I am sure I’m not the only person who is sick and tired of masked individuals riding on electric bikes all around the town these days,” he said.
“They ride on and off footpaths, breaking traffic lights, speeding dangerously and putting innocent people especially children and older people at risk of serious injury. It appears to many people that they are getting away with it.
“I proposed at our recent council meeting in Bray that we write to the Minister for Justice asking him to do something about it. Every one of my colleagues agreed with me.”
The letter calls on Minister O’Callaghan to take the matter seriously and to provide a detailed response that can be shared with members of the community.
“The people of Bray deserve reassurance that their safety is a priority and that the law is being enforced fairly and effectively.”
Research conducted by the Road Safety Authority earlier this year found e-scooters are now perceived as the most dangerous form of transport in Ireland, surpassing motorcycles in terms of perceived risk.
A survey found nearly one in four regular e-scooter users (24pc) have been involved in a collision, while one in three (32pc) have experienced a near miss.
All reported collisions involved male riders.