COUNCIL chiefs have cracked down on e-bikes and e-scooters riding through pedestrianised areas of the city centre after many Coventrians expressed concerns about their speed, obstructions to public walkways, and collisions.
Coventry City Council’s cabinet has greenlit an amendment to the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to stop people riding these vehicles through areas meant for pedestrians.
The amendment, which will come into effect from Monday, November 20, will allow police and other law enforcement officers to issue fines to riders who flout the law.
The council and police have received reports of safety concerns from Coventrians and visitors, with people saying they feel unsafe.
The cabinets report noticed there had been a ‘visible increase’ in the number of e-bikes and e-scooters using Broadgate, Upper Precinct, Market Way, Smithford Way, Shelton Square, Hertford Street and Bull Yard.
Reports have also come to light of some people riding recklessly, at high speeds and in a dangerous manner.
A month-long consultation saw 1,158 people respond, with 84 per cent of them saying the riding of e-bikes, pedal cycles and e-scooters made them feel less safe in the city centre.
People also gave examples of pedestrians being hit or narrowly missed by e-bikes and e-scooters, while 79 per cent of respondents agreed with amending the PSPO to ensure cyclists dismounted in the pedestrianised area of the city centre.
However, others opposed a blanket ban and felt the PSPO should only target e-bikes as they ’caused the majority of the problems.’
Responses from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Wheels for Wellbeing, an advocacy group for disabled cyclists, raised concerns any proposal may disadvantage and deter disabled cyclists from the city centre.
The councils report claims some of their suggestions were acted upon.
The order was introduced in October 2017 to help reduce anti-social behaviour and those breaching it could face prosecution and fines up to £100.
Coventry City Councils deputy leader, Coun Abdul Khan, said: “We are responding to concerns from people who feel unsafe when in the city centre, ths amendment to the existing PSPO will not affect riders who travel responsibly and considerately.
“We are very keen to encourage active travel including cycling and walking and our message is travel with care especially in pedestrianised areas.
“The Order requests e-bike and e-scooter riders should push and walk alongside their bike/scooter through the area defined in the Order.
“Public signs will remind riders of their responsibilities as they enter the pedestrianised areas.”
