E-bikes are surging in popularity on the streets of communities across the country as a way for legal transportation for those who are identification-challenged or for those who are seeking a cheaper source of transportation.  

But as e-bikes gain more popularity across the country, the attention to the rules of the road is causing a disturbance on busy community roads. Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers explains that while e-bikes do not require a driver's license, operators are legally obligated to obey the flow of traffic, ride on the far right side of the roadway, and use proper hand signals.

Chief Lowers points out his department has received a steady stream of complaints regarding e-bikes weaving through intersections and darting through parking lots. In response, they will be ramping up traffic enforcement around e-bikes to prevent a serious accident from occurring.

The Chief reminds the public that e-bikes are prohibited from being ridden on city sidewalks due to the danger they pose to pedestrians. He urges both youth and adult riders to practice defensive driving habits.

Because e-bikes operate virtually silently compared to motorcycles, Chief Lowers stresses that riders must remain highly visible and cautious, as larger vehicles are often not conditioned to spot them at intersections.

Several law enforcement officials in central Illinois have talked recently with the Hart Media Group about this growing trend in their communities and how they are addressing it.