Tougher action on Illegal E-Bikes, say Lib Dem Leader

Cllr Carl Cashman, Leader of the Opposition on Liverpool City Council, has called for urgent action to tackle the illegal use of electric bikes, e-scooters, and off-road motorcycles in the city. 

In a letter addressed to Chief Constable Serena Kennedy KPM, Cllr Cashman commended the efforts of Merseyside Police in tackling this issue as a part of Operation Gears but highlighted the need for further measures to ensure public safety.

Cllr Cashman expressed his concerns about the dangers posed by high-speed e-bikes, particularly in the City Centre and the Old Swan area. 

Drawing attention to a successful initiative by Northumbria Police in Sunderland, Cllr Cashman urged Merseyside Police to adopt a similar approach. 

The Northumbria scheme involves targeting areas where riders of illegal e-bikes are likely to congregate, such as near fast food restaurants. This proactive approach has led to the seizure of several illegal e-bikes and has significantly improved public safety in Sunderland.

Cllr Cashman believes that implementing a similar scheme in Merseyside, starting in places like Old Swan, could effectively reduce the number of illegal e-bikes on the streets and enhance community safety. 

Cllr Cashman looks forward to a positive response from Chief Constable Kennedy and hopes that together, they can make Liverpool's streets safer for all residents.

Cllr Cashman, Leader of the Opposition said: 

“E-bikes are becoming a bigger issue across the City – every week I am having residents tell me about their near misses with e-bikes. They are dangerous – it would cause some damage if I got hit by one, let alone a child or and older resident.

“I’ve written to the chief constable asking her to a implement practical strategy that’s proven successful in Sunderland – Northumbria Police were able to seize ten bikes in one day. Now, that’s ten less e-bikes putting pedestrians at risk – it will go along in tackling e-bike related anti-social behaviour. 

“By targeting locations where these riders are known to gather, we can make our streets safer for everyone. That’s what the Liberal Democrats are working hard for – safer streets across Liverpool."