Driver vs cyclist tension
WATERTOWN POST — LOCAL NEWS
City Moves to Address Rising E-Bike Safety Concerns Ahead of Spring
Watertown officials are preparing to tackle a growing safety issue on city streets: the increasing number of close calls—and at least one serious crash—involving e-bikes and vehicles.
Following discussion at Monday night’s City Council meeting, City Manager Eric Wagenaar confirmed that the city will form a new planning group focused specifically on e-bike safety. The move comes after Councilmember Doug Osborne raised concerns about a recent accident that left an 18-year-old hospitalized.
As warmer weather approaches and more riders return to the roads, city leaders say the timing is critical.
“This is clearly becoming a public safety issue,” Osborne said during the meeting. “We need to get ahead of it before things get worse heading into spring.”
Defining the Problem First
Wagenaar emphasized that the city’s first priority will be understanding exactly where the risks are coming from—before rushing into solutions.
“With any issue like this, you have to define the problem before you can fix it,” he said. “We need to understand what’s actually happening on our streets.”
That includes looking at where incidents are occurring, how often, and whether confusion over rules is playing a role.
Rules of the Road—And the Confusion Around Them
One of the biggest challenges, according to city officials, is a lack of clarity and awareness among both drivers and e-bike riders.
Under New York law, e-bikes are expected to operate on the roadway—generally along the right-hand side—not on sidewalks. At the same time, drivers are required to be aware of and share the road safely with cyclists.
City leaders say the issue isn’t just enforcement—it’s education.
“There has to be a mutual understanding between drivers and e-bike riders,” Wagenaar said. “They’re both out there, and they’re not going anywhere.”
Riders Say Awareness Goes Both Ways
For longtime e-bike rider Dan Kruskie, who uses his e-bike as his primary transportation, the key is simple: follow the rules and stay alert.
“If you’re paying attention and riding responsibly, you can avoid most problems,” he said. “But you’ve got to watch for cars, and they’ve got to watch for you.”
What’s Next
City officials are aiming to have a clearer strategy in place before the spring riding season ramps up. The newly formed group is expected to explore possible solutions, which could include public education campaigns, signage, or changes to traffic patterns.
With e-bikes becoming more common across Watertown, officials say one thing is certain: the city’s streets are evolving—and everyone will need to adapt.
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