On a tragic Wednesday, the lives of two elderly pedestrians were cut short by electric motorbikes, highlighting growing concerns about the rising danger of these vehicles on Britain’s streets. Both incidents occurred on the same day, less than 100 miles apart, prompting urgent discussions about safety regulation and enforcement as communities grapple with the increasing prevalence of e-bikes and e-scooters.
In Bradford, 72-year-old Shaat Bibi was struck while crossing Leeds Old Road near her home. After enduring severe injuries, she tragically passed away in hospital two days later. Her son, Baber Iqbal, expressed the devastating impact of her untimely death on their family. He described her as a beloved grandmother, always engaged with the community. Iqbal's heartfelt plea for action against e-motorbikes echoed sentiments shared by numerous residents in the area who voiced concerns about the reckless behaviour of some riders. He noted that these vehicles are often seen speeding past with riders clad in dark clothing, lacking helmets and visibility, making them difficult to apprehend.
Just hours before this incident, another elderly woman, 86-year-old Gloria Murphey, was killed in a similar collision in Sunderland. While walking her dog, she was struck by a fleeing rider on a black Sur-Ron motorbike. Local witnesses remarked on Murphey's vitality, noting her regular walks in the neighbourhood, and lamented the loss of a cherished member of the community. Neighbours shared their shock, describing her as fit and dynamic, traits that belied her age.
The deaths of Bibi and Murphey are not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing trend associated with electric bicycles and scooters. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of serious injuries and fatalities. The first recorded death in the UK from an e-bike collision involved Sakine Cihan, who was struck in London in 2018. The cyclist initially stopped but subsequently fled, setting a grim precedent that raises questions about accountability on the roads.
Furthermore, a significant increase in the number of seized illegally modified e-bikes has been recorded by UK police forces. Between August 2023 and 2024, 937 such vehicles were confiscated—a rise from 511 the year before. These modified bikes often exceed the legal speed limit, amplifying the danger they pose to pedestrians.
Compounding the issue, there have been alarming cases linking e-bikes to incidents beyond collisions. A fire in Cambridge in July 2023 killed a mother and her two children, reportedly caused by a charging e-bike battery. Such tragedies further underscore the urgent need for safety measures and public awareness regarding the risks associated with e-vehicles.
As communities call for stricter regulations, local police have renewed their appeals for witnesses in both the Bradford and Sunderland incidents, underlining the necessity of public cooperation in addressing the rising threat of e-bikes. The failings in oversight and enforcement related to these electric vehicles pose significant challenges for authorities looking to protect vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly.
As the number of e-bikes on Britain’s roads continues to rise, the inconvenient truth remains: without effective regulation and education, they could increasingly become a menace. Both families who lost loved ones on that fateful day continue to seek justice and compel local authorities to confront the issues surrounding e-bikes seriously. The echoes of their grief serve as a clarion call for change, lest more lives be devastated by this modern phenomenon.
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Source: Noah Wire Services