Agenda item
Motion B: Tackling the Illegal and Unsafe Use of E-Bikes in West Oxfordshire- Proposed by Councillor Liam Walker, Seconded by Councillor Jane Doughty
West Oxfordshire District Council notes that the number of e-bikes and e-scooters being used illegally across Witney and the wider district has increased significantly in recent months. Residents, schools, businesses, and community groups have raised concerns about dangerous riding, use of e-bikes on pavements, the lack of helmets, and underage riders. Illegal and unsafe e-bike use poses risks to pedestrians, other road users, and to the riders themselves.
The Council also recognises that whilst some successful enforcement has already taken place by Thames Valley Police, local authorities have an important role to play in prevention, awareness, and partnership working to address this issue.
Council resolves to:
1. Work with Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire County Council to explore options for joint enforcement and awareness campaigns targeting unsafe and illegal e-bike use.
2. Launch a district-wide public awareness campaign to inform residents—especially young people and parents—about the rules around e-bikes, the risks of illegal use, and safe cycling practices.
3. Request the Executive to explore opportunities for funding community safety initiatives such as cycle safety workshops, signage, and school engagement projects.
4. Ask the Leader to write to the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley urging greater prioritisation of enforcement against dangerous and illegal e-bike use in West Oxfordshire.
Minutes:
Councillor Liam Walker introduced the motion, and read it out as follows;
“West Oxfordshire District Council notes that the number of e-bikes and e-scooters being used illegally across Witney and the wider district has increased significantly in recent months. Residents, schools, businesses, and community groups have raised concerns about dangerous riding, use of e-bikes on pavements, the lack of helmets, and underage riders. Illegal and unsafe e-bike use poses risks to pedestrians, other road users, and to the riders themselves.
The Council also recognises that whilst some successful enforcement has already taken place by Thames Valley Police, local authorities have an important role to play in prevention, awareness, and partnership working to address this issue.
Council resolves to:
1. Work with Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire County Council to explore options for joint enforcement and awareness campaigns targeting unsafe and illegal e-bike use.
2. Launch a district-wide public awareness campaign to inform residents—especially young people and parents—about the rules around e-bikes, the risks of illegal use, and safe cycling practices.
3. Request the Executive to explore opportunities for funding community safety initiatives such as cycle safety workshops, signage, and school engagement projects.
4. Ask the Leader to write to the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley urging greater prioritisation of enforcement against dangerous and illegal e-bike use in West Oxfordshire.”
The motion was seconded by Councillor Jane Doughty.
An amendment was proposed by Councillor Geoff Saul. This was to amend the second recommendation to read “To ask the County Council and Thames Valley Police to launch public awareness campaign to inform residents—especially young people and parents—about the rules around e-bikes, the risks of illegal use, and safe cycling practices”
This was accepted by the proposer and seconder of the original motion.
The following points were raised in debate:
- Some councillors noted the need for more positive measures (like subsidised helmets, training, and education) and better data/statistics on incidents.
- There was emphasis that legal e-bikes were beneficial for sustainable transport, and the focus should be on illegal or modified e-bikes.
- Suggestions were made included involving schools, community groups, and using existing programmes (like Bikeability) to educate and improve safety.
- The amendment was welcomed as it emphasised the responsibility of the County Council and Thames Valley police.
The amended motion was voted on and agreed as follows;
For 38, Against 0, Abstentions 1
Council resolved to:
1. Work with Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire County Council to explore options for joint enforcement and awareness campaigns targeting unsafe and illegal e-bike use.
2. Ask the County Council and Thames Valley Police to launch public awareness campaign to inform residents—especially young people and parents—about the rules around e-bikes, the risks of illegal use, and safe cycling practices.
3. Request the Executive to explore opportunities for funding community safety initiatives such as cycle safety workshops, signage, and school engagement projects.
4. Ask the Leader to write to the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley urging greater prioritisation of enforcement against dangerous and illegal e-bike use in West Oxfordshire.
At this point, the meeting was due to extend past the three hour time limit, the Chair proposed extending the time by suspending Rule 10 in the Council Procedure Rules.
This was voted on as follows;
For 34, Against 4, Abstentions 2.
RESOLVED: To suspend Rule 10 of the Council’s constitution in order to extend the meeting past the three hour time limit.