Police in Timmins are reminding the public to follow the rules of the road after two girls on an e-bike were injured recently in a crash with a motor vehicle. The collision took place at the intersection of Algonquin Boulevard and Preston Street on Oct. 14. “The collision involved two female youths who were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,” police said in a news release Oct. 19. “The investigation determined that the youths had failed to stop at a red light, resulting in a dangerous situation. This highlights the importance of following the rules of the road and exercising caution when operating an e-bike.” E-bikes getting popular With the growing popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters, police are reminding residents of the rules riders must follow. “Police have been providing information and issuing warnings to promote awareness and encourage safe riding practices,” the release said. “However, riders must understand that these devices come with responsibilities, and failing to follow traffic rules can have serious consequences.” Riders must be at least 16 years of age and they must wear an approved helmet. “E-bike riders must obey applicable traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and obeying traffic signals,” police said. “Riders must operate their devices responsibly, remain aware of their surroundings and exercise caution around motor vehicles, pedestrians and other road users.” “E-bikes offer a convenient way to get around, but they are not without risks. Riders must recognize that they share the road with larger vehicles and that failing to obey traffic signs or signals can have serious consequences. A moment of inattention or a failure to stop can result in injuries that could otherwise be prevented,” Insp. Tim Chalmers is quoted as saying in the news release. “The Timmins Police Service encourages parents and guardians to take the time to ensure their children understand the rules and safety requirements before operating an e-bike or e-scooter. Riders should never assume that other road users will see them or be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.”
