Revolutionizing E-Bike Safety: Northern Beaches Council’s Innovative Approach

In a groundbreaking move, the Northern Beaches Council has emerged as a trailblazer in e-bike safety across NSW. With a relentless commitment to fostering safer streets, the council’s ‘Know the Code’ campaign has redefined the landscape of e-bike safety initiatives in Australia.

The recent NSW Parliamentary Inquiry report, which delved into the realm of e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar modes of transport, commended the Northern Beaches Council for its proactive stance in advocating for policy revisions. The ‘Know the Code’ campaign stands out as the first of its kind in Australia, emphasizing behavioral shifts among e-bike users to prioritize pedestrian and rider safety.

By harnessing strategic insights, forging key partnerships, and unleashing creative strategies, the campaign has successfully instigated a wave of positive change in e-bike riding behavior. The core objective revolves around instilling a culture of mutual respect and safety consciousness within the e-biking community.

Central to the campaign’s success is its multichannel approach, designed to disseminate the new e-bike code effectively. Drawing parallels to the surfer’s code, the simple yet powerful guidelines aim to enhance awareness and cultivate responsible riding habits among young e-bike enthusiasts.

Acknowledging the council’s pioneering efforts, the NSW Parliamentary inquiry report has put forth a series of recommendations to enhance pedestrian and rider safety. Proposals include imposing speed limits for e-bikes on footpaths, setting safety standards, revising Road Rules and Driver Knowledge Tests, and launching targeted social media campaigns tailored to young riders.

As a frontrunner in championing these critical issues, the Northern Beaches Council has paved the way for substantive change. The ball is now in the court of the NSW Government to deliberate on the report’s recommendations and take action accordingly. Notably, the campaign’s triumph has sparked interest among various Australian councils, seeking authorization to replicate its success.

Beyond the campaign’s triumphs and the NSW Government’s inquiry, advocacy efforts and campaign initiatives have yielded tangible outcomes. Bicycle NSW has introduced an online module on responsible bike riding, the NSW Department of Education is piloting a new e-bike education module, and Transport for NSW has initiated research on e-bike riders in local high schools.

The ‘Know the Code’ campaign has positioned the Council as a catalyst for transformation in e-bike safety, establishing a precedent for future endeavors aimed at enhancing safety protocols and nurturing a culture of respect among e-bike users.