E-bikes and e-scooters on sidewalks: How Chicago officials and police are tackling the issue

CHICAGO (WLS) -- E-scooters and e-bikes often swerve through people on the sidewalks.

After covering the issue for years, the I-Team is capturing more video of it happening in the city of Chicago. We talked to residents who fear they could be injured, and we are finding out what law enforcement and the city are doing about it.

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Smartphone video captured dangerous examples of e-scooters and e-bikes speeding down busy sidewalks. In some cases, they are shared bikes and scooters, but some people are also buying their own. Shared services have technology and protocols in place to discourage sidewalk riding and potentially ban users, but ultimately, it is up to the city and police to enforce the law for all scooter and bike riders.

Maribel Martinez of the Old Town neighborhood says she frequently encounters e-scooters and e-bikes on the sidewalks instead of in the street or in designated bike lanes.

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"They could possibly knock someone over, possibly an older person who might get off balance, hit their head. We're on a sidewalk; we're not in the park," Martinez said.

Melina Worcester has similar concerns.

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"I live on this street and the times that I have encounters with them when I almost get hit by them, or I'm trying to dodge them out of the way, or I've seen even other people get hit," Worcester said.

So, what is the city of Chicago doing about this sidewalk safety hazard? The Chicago Department of Transportation says they do require shared operators to educate users on the rules and have technology in place like audible alerts when a rider goes on a sidewalk. They also require scooter companies to "take action against riders who continually disregard rules."

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As for riders who own electric scooters and bikes, CDOT does not have regulatory or enforcement authority over them, but the Chicago Police Department says they do enforce transportation laws with the safety of all pedestrians and vehicle operators as their top priority.

"It should be enforced," Martinez said.

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Pedestrians say they want the city and law enforcement to do more.

"If they really put in some different rules and regulations on it, I think it would be helpful," Worcester said.

CDOT added that ensuring that Chicago's shared scooter and bike programs are safe for both riders and pedestrians is a top priority.

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