Here at Council we are strong advocates for getting people out of cars and onto bikes, easing local traffic, improving health and reducing emissions.

However, the increasing prevalence of e-bikes is a real safety issue and many in our community are concerned about how they are being used on our footpaths and shared paths.

That’s why this week we launched an extensive e-bike safety education campaign which asks riders to abide by a simple code to keep themselves and the community safe: 

• Slow down to walking pace when others are on the path 
• Ring your bell and call ‘on your right’ to let others know you’re approaching 
• Be ready for sudden changes – people, pets and prams can be unpredictable 

You’ll see the campaign roll out through signage on our bike paths, in our schools, on social media, online, in local bike shops and through the media.

Councils are not the regulating authority for e-bikes but we do have a role to play in community education and we are fortunate to have the backing of the local police, Bicycle NSW and local schools. This is a shared issue which requires all our attention and will be most effective when we are all reinforcing it.

I believe this campaign is a Council-first across the country and I am proud the Northern Beaches is taking the lead on this important issue. Please share it through your networks and help get the message out.

We are also continuing our advocacy with the state and federal governments in the background, calling for a statewide education campaign with a focus on young riders, a review of the relevant road rules, better monitoring and control of the importation of non-compliant bikes and the introduction of a simple way to identify both legal and illegal bikes through a compliance plate or similar.

Finally, a shout out to local young surfer Jordy Lawler who took the Sydney Surf Pro men’s title this week at North Narrabeen - his first-career Challenger Series victory. So great to see a local surfer win this prestigious international event which Council supports, alongside the Gold Coast's Isabella Nichols. Congratulations to them both.

Mayor Sue Heins