People in Rhondda Cynon Taf 'concerned' over e-bikes and scooters
Cllr Evans said the damage, noise, and dangerous riding are “serious concerns” but there’s also an intimidation factor as riders will often use black helmets
“Serious concerns” have been raised over the use of E-scooters and electric bikes in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) with damage to playing fields and dangerous riding.
Councillor David Evans, of the RCT Independent group, proposed a notice of motion at full council because he said residents were increasingly concerned about the anti-social and unsafe use of self propelled electric bikes and scooters in parks, play areas, and shared spaces.
He said these aren’t the same as the legal pedal assist E-bikes that many residents use responsibly but they are self-propelled motor-driven vehicles that are often unregistered, uninsured, and unsafe being used where families, children, and older residents should be able to feel safe.
“In recent months I’ve heard many complaints from residents about these vehicles"
Cllr Evans said: “In recent months I’ve heard many complaints from residents about these vehicles racing through parks, tearing up playing fields, and frightening children.
“Within the last few weeks in my own ward of Brynna and Llanharan we’ve had sports pitches damaged by this type of antisocial behaviour.
“I feel very passionate about this issue because it negatively affects my community and residents on an almost daily basis.”
He said the damage, noise, and dangerous riding are “serious concerns” but there’s also an intimidation factor as riders will often use black helmets, dark clothing, and conceal their identity which makes people feel unsafe and makes policing more difficult.
Cllr Evans said: “This is a growing problem across south Wales that demands both enforcement and clear local policy.
“This motion is about drawing a clear line between what’s legal and welcome and what’s not acceptable or safe.”
He said the motion asks for a sensible and proportionate approach with clear signs so everyone knows what’s allowed and enforcement options to be looked through bylaws or PSPOs with consultation with residents, the police, and community groups.
He said the motion guarantees exceptions for mobility scooters and adapted cycles used by disabled residents.
"It’s becoming a growing issue"
Council leader Andrew Morgan said it’s becoming a growing issue and he knows from local experience and that councillors in Aberdare have raised this with the police.
He said in some restricted traffic areas of Aberdare town centre the speed of these vehicles going through where pedestrians expect to be safe is a danger adding that he had had a couple of experiences in Mountain Ash on the Cynon Trail and around the playing fields.
He said: “This is becoming more of an issue and I think that legislation as it currently stands hasn’t caught up with E-bikes.
“Without a PSPO or some other action it is limited what action can be taken because they’re not classed as actual vehicles.”
He said a wide-reaching PSPO across RCT is something they could consider but they would need police support in terms of enforcement.
Cllr Karl Johnson, Conservatives, said a lot of these vehicles are adapted on the black market and maybe not wired up and there have been properties have been severely fire-damaged affecting neighbouring properties as well.
Cllr Karen Morgan of Plaid Cymru said enforcement is crucial to any measures being taken.
She also mentioned problems in the communities with off-road scrambler-type bikes and that problems that police are facing with enforcement because of safety issues and the injuries being caused by the riders of those bikes.
Councillor Wayne Owen of the Independent group said they have problems in Pontyclun and he said it’s important they get some legislation.