My four-year-old daughter was almost killed by an e-bike this week. She was happily riding home on her scooter after daycare when a man on an e-bike, speeding faster than the cars, collided with her near our local bus stop. The impact was terrifying; her scooter was caught up under the weight of the bike. Thankfully, she doesn't remember much, but I vividly recall the thud, the screech of brakes, and the dread of the moment, feeling as if it was all unfolding in slow motion. This horrific experience made it alarmingly clear that something must change. Our footpaths are intended for pedestrians – not for motorised vehicles like e-bikes or electric scooters.

In Australia, where such incidents are rising, the lack of regulation on these motorised vehicles poses a significant risk to public safety, especially for our children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who rely on footpaths and shared paths for safe navigation. These paths should be sanctuaries for safe passage, not battlegrounds.

This growing threat also endangers public confidence in shared spaces that were, and should remain, safe for everyone.

To address this urgent issue, I propose that Councils and the NSW State Labor Government implement stricter regulations and licensing for e-bikes and similar motorised vehicles.

Additionally, education programs should be developed to inform both users of motorised vehicles and the general public about safe practices and legal obligations regarding path sharing. Enforcement of these new laws will not only protect our children but will also reassure pedestrians that they can walk our streets safely.

We shouldn't have to wait for a child to die to fix this alarming problem. 

Together, we can make our footpaths safer for all. Every signature adds weight to our demand for change, urging local authorities to prioritise the safety of pedestrians over unchecked convenience. Let us balance technological advancement with our community's well-being.

Please sign this petition to support the call for stronger e-bike regulations and the protection of our pedestrian pathways. Your voice is vital in ensuring safety for everyone on our streets.