Rail trail safety
So, today my elderly husband and I were walking a short distance on the rail trail. As I usually do, I checked behind to see if any bikes were coming so we could move aside if needed. Gone are the days when bike etiquette included calling out, “on your left.” Sure enough an e-bike was rounding the bend at easily 30 mph and heading for us. I gave a hand signal to slow down, hoping the rider would not react with anger. No kidding, this has happened. We were lucky and the guy swerved around us.
E-bikes have become ubiquitous and accidents are increasing. Unfortunately many of these are with children who are riding dangerously fast. Challenges make it difficult to legislate use of these bikes but let’s work on it so we all feel safer.
Elizabeth Holbrook
Northampton