Sydney e-bike death as police, Premier call for reforms after pair captured riding across Harbour Bridge
On the same day a rider was killed after colliding with a garbage truck in Sydney’s CBD, a commuter has spoken out about the incredible vision he captured of two young men riding across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on an e-bike.
As cars, trucks, and buses sped across multiple lanes on one of Australia’s most iconic, yet busiest motorways, a passenger in an Uber driving behind the pair filmed the moment in disbelief.
Julius Grafton was sitting in the front passenger seat of his Uber ride and says he “couldn’t believe his eyes” when he noticed the e-bike on the outside lane of the Harbour Bridge going against the oncoming traffic last weekend.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I thought, am I seeing things? I couldn’t believe it” Mr Grafton told The Nightly.
“It was like - the world has gone mad.
“I worry about my own grandkids getting on these things, because if you get whacked and you are doing the wrong thing, I don’t think you have any insurance,” Mr Grafton added.
E-bike laws in NSW
NSW laws state that riders on e-bikes must primarily propel the bike with the pedals and that the motors on the bikes are intended to assist when riding uphill or into headwind, not as the primary source of propulsion.
An electrically power-assisted cycle can only have a maximum power output of 500 watts and the electric motor must cut off when the bicycle reaches 25km/h according to police.
The e-bike on the Sydney Harbour Bridge appeared to be keeping up with traffic flow which is generally around 50-60km/h.
Ultimo e-bike tragedy
Early on Tuesday morning emergency services were called to the intersection of Little Regent Street and George Street in Ultimo after a man was killed in the horror crash with a garbage truck.
The man in his 30s collided with the truck at around 6am before ambulance paramedics arrived at the scene near Railway Square, but he could not be saved.
The truck driver, a 28-year-old man, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and police were due to launch a campaign of awareness on Tuesday, and the terrible incident in Haymarket highlighted their message for reform and increased safety measures over the Christmas period.
“NSW is the only state where you can legally purchase an e-bike with 500w in power,” Mr Mins told 2GB on Tuesday.
“We want to make a change to reduce that to 250w.”
The change would mean e-bikes, which can currently reach speeds of up to 50-60km/hr, would only be able to go 25-30km/hr max.
Mr Minns expressed his condolences to the family of the man who died on Tuesday.
“This is obviously terrible, and your heart goes out to that man’s family on the eve of Christmas,” he said.
Should I buy my kids an e-bike?
NSW police are also pleading with parents to consider their decisions around e-bike purchases for Christmas after a spate of fatalities, serious incidents and fires associated with batteries.
The public are being warned to only buy legal e-bikes ahead of a crackdown on modified bikes and dangerous riding.
“If you are considering buying an e-bike for Christmas, make sure it complies with NSW law,” Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver said.
“Don’t get pressured by your children, peers or salespeople into buying the most powerful bike.
“Police don’t want someone to make a mistake that costs them their life or causes them serious injury.
“We don’t want a Christmas present to become the ultimate buyer’s regret.”
Parents are being warned that they have a responsibility to ensure any e-bikes ridden or owned by their children are not modified and ridden safely on the road or footpath.
“We have seen more modified bikes and powerful motors fitted,” Asst. Comm Driver said.
“We need riders to understand the dangers of riding on one wheel, without a helmet or in the dark with no lights.
“An e-bike is illegal if it has a greater power output than 500 watts, even if it is limited by software.
“Parents must remain vigilant and be aware of how easy it can be to modify the bike.”
