E-bike issues return to council table now joined by vandalism issues

The issue of e-bikes and those who operate them returned to Amherstburg town council.

Not only was the discussion at the Sept. 28 meeting a follow-up to town council’s previous meeting, the issue of vandalism was also raised.

Councillor Molly Allaire asked about e-bikes and questioned Staff Sgt. Jeff Taylor about whether officers were able to patrol the parks council had specified at the Sept. 14 meeting, namely Pat Thrasher Park and King’s Navy Yard Park.

Taylor said a file has been created and that results in a directed patrol.

“We have them doing that,” said Taylor.

Taylor added there have not been any tickets issued to riders or their parents as of yet.

Allaire said she appreciates police showing up and checking on it. She added there is vandalism as well due to the e-bikes and e-scooters. According to Allaire, a small patch of playground that e-bike riders are “burning out” costs taxpayers about $5,000 to replace. A slide that suffered melted plastic due to a “burn out” costs $25,000-$30,000 to replace, she added, and an accessible bench that was installed was also damaged and that cost roughly $10,000.

Increased enforcement was called for, and Allaire said while her own children follow the rules, if they didn’t she would want the law to come down on them.

“I would really encourage (police) to try and make them feel a little bit of fear so that there are some benefits coming out of this,” said Allaire.

Taylor said e-bikes are “a hot topic around the province” and parents are getting fined.

“We haven’t gotten there yet. We haven’t had to yet but it’s something that’s in our arsenal and we’re not afraid to use it,” said Taylor.

Councillor Peter Courtney asked about cameras and asked if a funding source could be found to put up cameras to help monitor playgrounds. 

“This infrastructure is very expensive,” he said.

Courtney said cameras are a deterrent and he didn’t believe that behaviour was going anywhere soon. Taylor said police wouldn’t put them up but he would encourage it, noting high-resolution cameras are not overly expensive.

“We would put it out on social media and it’s pretty good evidence. People recognize these people. It’s a great lead for us and I would definitely encourage it,” said Taylor.

E-bike issues return to council table now joined by vandalism issues

By Ron Giofu