NOLENSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Nolensville Police Department is urging electric bike riders to obey the law and navigate safely following some close calls with motorists.

Authorities in Nolensville say they have seen an escalation of issues where young riders, who are often on e-bikes, ride too fast or in an unsafe manner.

Police shared one video with News 2, which illustrates what can happen when traffic laws are not obeyed.

The video shows an incident that occurred on Sept. 5, where three people appear to be in the bike lane on e-bikes and an electric scooter. Then, one of the riders suddenly darts out into traffic, colliding with a vehicle that was trying to beat the yellow light.

As seen on video, the rider is sent sprawling to the asphalt before getting up. The vehicle involved also comes to a stop.

Police said the rider was not hurt, acknowledging that the rider was "very lucky."

"The most troubling thing I see are kids zooming across crosswalks without stopping to observe the conditions, and then the vehicles are unaware they are crossing, and they are going so fast. It's just not safe," said NPD Sgt. Christina Sabol.

Sabol added that because of an increase in incidents like the one that occurred on Sept. 5, Nolensville police are focusing on enforcement — particularly as it relates to young riders and e-bikes.

"We are seeing a dramatic uptick in the presence of e-bikes in our community and with that an increase in safety issues," she explained. "Kids are going way too fast for conditions. Often they get them as presents, they don't get any formalized training on how to use them and follow rules of the road. So the speed inexperience and vehicles who cannot see them causes a major safety issue."

According to Sabol, officers made four traffic stops and issued warnings to young people riding unsafely on Sunday, Sept. 14.

"We want parents to be aware of the dangers of e-bikes. You would not give your a child a gun without teaching them how to use it and how to use it safely," Sabol added. "Likewise, we hope you don't give your kid an e-bike and send them out on the road without any training or knowing any awareness of the dangers."

Nolensville police encourage residents to contact their department for any questions regarding the increased enforcement efforts involving e-bikes

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nolensville-police-reports-uptick-in-dangerous-incidents-involving-e-bikes/