E-bikes conquer Lincoln’s hiking trails

LINCOLN, Nebraska (KLKN) – As electric bikes and scooters become increasingly popular, Lincoln city officials are faced with the task of ensuring the safety of bike lanes.

Lincoln City Council will vote on new safety regulations on June 3.

Bob Dzerk has been riding an e-bike for four years and it has become his primary means of transportation.

However, he thinks that some people find the hiking trails too wild.

“I don’t think people are as cautious as they could be,” Dzerk said. “It’s like they’re assuming nothing bad is going to happen.”

A biker, Glenn Dallmann, said he witnessed a near-miss Monday morning as a family was riding on a bike path.

“There was a mother with three small children. They were having trouble figuring out which direction they were going,” said Dallmann. “An older gentleman on an electric bike sped through without stopping. I mean, he at least slowed down. It could have been really bad for the child and the gentleman on his bike.”

Of course, electric bikes, skateboards and scooters also have advantages.

Many older people use them to get around the city or to get some physical exercise.

One of the bikers, David Bristow, said the trails were not that big a problem for him.

“I’m more concerned when I’m downtown, or especially on the UNL campus, and we have people on these motorized scooters or motorized skateboards weaving through pedestrian traffic very quickly,” Bristow said. “I think that’s an accident just waiting to happen.”

The speed limit on city streets is 25 miles per hour.

However, those responsible are considering introducing further regulations.

The proposal before the city council calls for a vote on banning various electric modes of transport, such as mopeds and gasoline-powered bicycles, on hiking trails.

E-bikes are not affected by the ban, but many people seem to believe that this is a step towards stricter regulations.

Dzerk hopes that e-bikes will not be targeted.

“I’m happy with the laws as they are now,” he said. “I don’t think we need anything.”

And Dallmann sees it similarly. He believes that teaching people the right politeness would work.

“Whether it’s signs along the way or whatever, saying to share the trail, slow down when you pass, announce yourself,” he said. “If the electric bikers are doing the same, I think it should be shared by everyone.”