CPD issues more citations this year for e-bikes, e-scooters riding on sidewalks: data

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 Chicago I-Team has new data on what's being done to protect pedestrians from being hit by an electric bike or scooter on the sidewalk.

The I-Team has been investigating issues of e-bikes and e-scooters on sidewalks and even talked to one man who was severely injured.

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New data show Chicago police are increasing their enforcement to stop electric scooters and bikes illegally zipping down city sidewalks.

As of mid-September, Chicago police have issued 158 citations so far this year for people riding on sidewalks. That's 26 percent more citations than this time last year and more than all of 2023.

The I-Team has been reporting on this problem for years.

Last month the I-Team exposed the growing concerns from pedestrians and talked to one man who was severely injured by an e-bike rider on the sidewalk.

The I-Team also captured video of several riders weaving dangerously around people on crowded sidewalks.

Chicago police data also show 68 police reports so far about incidents this year involving bikes or scooters on sidewalks, including at least five that mention serious injuries.

The city says the shared scooter operators are required to educate riders about the dangers of sidewalk riding and ban users who repeatedly go onto sidewalks, but enforcement ultimately falls to police. Especially if the rider is on a private scooter or e-bike, which they own.

The latest numbers show that police are in fact now issuing tickets at record levels, but some residents have questioned if more needs to be done.

E-scooters and e-bikes are required to ride in bike lanes or on the street, if there aren't bike lanes.

The city is working on expanding and connecting bikeways.