CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Some college students at the University of Illinois that WCIA talked to say they’ve seen some people riding a little bit too fast on e-bikes.
“I think for the most part, they’re safe,” said U of I student Micah Wehler.
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Wehler is talking about e-bikes and e-scooters.
“Oftentimes I use them if I’m going going home from class, heading to class,” Wehler said.
He said it might be nice to have more reduce speed zones.
“Like, I know sometimes you can get up to 15 or 20 on a sidewalk just kind of cruising through campus, which is a little bit fast,” Wehler added.
U of I junior Gus Hodges shared a similar sentiment.
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“I think maybe a few more zones could be like reduced speed areas that don’t, like, allow you to go as fast,” Hodges said.
The Champaign County Sheriff’s office shares their concern. They said a refresher on the laws before summer is always a good idea. It’s something Wehler said is a good thing.
“Be a little aware of bike safety in general, but like, the same rules apply to those as a normal as would do a normal bike,” Wehler said.
The sheriff’s office has some tips for riders. Helmets are strongly recommender for all riders. Everyone should stay alert, and don’t ride or drive distracted. And, always follow the rules of the road. You can still get a ticket for disobeying them on a bike.
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For e-scooters, a person must be at least 18 to ride it, but you can’t ride on sidewalks or roads with a speed limit greater than 35 mph depending on location, and not on public highways.
Both Wehler and Hodges said knowing this information, will help others like themselves to stay safe on the roads.
“Be careful. Just stay in the bike lane. Don’t don’t try anything crazy. It’s definitely the best way to just, like, keep people safe and know nobody getting hit,” Hodges said.
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