E-bike riders in Buffalo are being encouraged to abide by road rules, avoiding sidewalks for safety and to protect pedestrians.

In the city of Buffalo, the popularity of e-bikes has surged, leading to an increase in their usage on the streets. However, this rise has also resulted in a spike in accidents, prompting Mayor Shane Schrader to take action.

E-bikes, electronic vehicles that operate on electricity, are a type of bike equipped with an electric motor to assist in propulsion. They have become increasingly popular due to their affordability and low operating costs.

Mayor Schrader, an EMT with extensive experience in dealing with the aftermath of accidents, has been advocating for e-bike riders to follow the same traffic laws as drivers. He emphasises the importance of helmets, especially on higher-powered e-bikes, as the most effective protection for riders.

The laws for e-bike riders include obeying stop signs, traffic lights, riding predictably, staying in designated lanes, and signaling intentions. The Buffalo City Council, in agreement with Mayor Schrader, is urging e-vehicle operators to adhere to these traffic laws and avoid sidewalks.

However, an existing ordinance prohibiting skateboards and pedal bikes on downtown sidewalks has not effectively stopped e-bike operators. In response, the city has discussed developing additional ordinances to regulate e-bike usage. If the issue of e-bike operators disregarding traffic laws persists, Mayor Schrader suggests the city council may consider more formal action.

Despite this, Mayor Schrader is advocating for education and reminders instead of additional ordinances. He believes that by educating e-bike riders about the importance of traffic laws and the potential dangers of disregarding them, he can encourage them to stay on the road and ride safely.

In conclusion, as the use of e-bikes continues to grow in Buffalo, it is crucial for riders to understand and follow traffic laws to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.

E-bike riders in Buffalo are being encouraged to abide by road rules, avoiding sidewalks for safety and to protect pedestrians.