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E-bike rider hurt in crash calls for change in law

Stuart TolcherGuernsey
News imageBBC Close-up outdoor portrait of Tracey Giles who has blonde hair which is tied back. She is standing in a garden and has visible bruising beneath one eye.BBC
Tracey Giles wants the States to consider increasing the minimum age for e-bike riders

An e-bike rider is calling for more restrictions on their use after she was injured in a collision with a teenager on an e-bike.

Tracy Giles needed hospital treatment after the head-on collision which took place on the east coast cycle path at the Forester's Arms public house.

She has asked the States to raise the minimum age of e-bike riders and make registration and insurance requirements by law.

Her call comes after deputy Ross Le Brun's requested a review of the existing e-bike laws to potentially increase the speed at which they can travel while lowering the legal age of riders.

News imageA red cargo e-bike is parked on a brown paved surface opposite a wall coloured in white, gray and blue. There is a rusty bike rack attached to the same wall. The bike has bungee straps attached to its frame and a yellow cycle helmet is attached to the frame and hangs upside down over the lower right hand side. To the left of the bike there is a glass double door with purple coloured BBC Guernsey signs attached.
The law states e-bike riders must be at least 14 years old

Current laws limit e-bike assisted speeds to 24.9km/h (15.5mph) and riders must be at least 14 years old.

Giles said registration would help with law enforcement and insurance would cover property damage and medical care.

She said her experience has changed her views around e-bike use and who should be allowed to ride them.

The incident had taken place at a point on the east coast cycle path that was known as being almost too narrow for bikes travelling in and out of town to safely pass each other, she added.

Giles said she no longer had the confidence to ride on path and would instead travel in the road with other vehicle traffic.

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