Austin trails endangered by high-speed e-bikes

A Collision on the Southern Walnut Creek Trail

Austin's multi-use trails, like the Southern Walnut Creek Trail, should be a haven for cyclists. However, a recent incident on the trail highlights the dangers that exist.

An e-bike barreled around a corner at speed, in the writer's lane, resulting in a collision. The writer remembers thinking, "Why doesn’t he swerve to his right?" Before losing consciousness and waking up aching and bleeding on the ground.

The e-biker was uninjured and took responsibility for cutting the corner, agreeing to pay for the writer's medical care and bike repairs. The writer notes, "I was lucky. If I’d been on foot, I’d almost certainly be dead."

Austin's website describes the trail as “the city’s newest recreation resource for hikers, joggers and bicyclists.” However, the reality is that e-bikes can pose a significant danger to users.

Since 2019, both e-bikes and e-scooters have been permitted on the Walnut Creek Trail and other trails. The speed limit for these vehicles is 10 mph, but it is rarely enforced.

The writer acknowledges that e-bikes can be a great resource, but notes that when someone rides a motorized vehicle that can reach 20-30 mph, they will often do so. The parks department needs to find a way to keep walkers and cyclists safe, whether by allowing only low-speed e-bikes and e-scooters or creating a separate path for two-wheeled motorized vehicles.

The city must ensure that these trails are safe for all users. As the writer concludes, "If no changes are made, life-threatening collisions like mine will continue."
Elizabeth H. Winkler is an Austin-based writer and book-publishing professional.