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Santa Barbara

E-Bike Safety Concerns Highlighted by Doctor’s Experience

A doctor recounts a near-miss incident with an e-bike rider, raising concerns about safety and regulation.

Portrait of Cali Reporter Santa Barbara Writer
Santa Barbara · November 14, 2026
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AI-generated stock-style editorial illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
AI-generated stock-style editorial illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.

A hearing-impaired physician in Santa Barbara recounted a recent incident in which she was nearly struck by an e-bike rider on the sidewalk along Chapala Street. The rider reportedly apologized for startling her but failed to adhere to traffic rules by riding on the wrong side of the street and without a helmet (Source ID: 1). This incident is not isolated, as the physician has experienced multiple similar encounters with e-bike riders who often disregard safety protocols. [1]

The physician, who identifies as an environmentalist, expressed concern over the increasing number of e-bike riders who do not wear helmets and often ride on sidewalks, walking paths, and trails. She emphasized that not wearing a helmet on any wheeled conveyance poses a significant risk of head injury in the event of an accident (Source ID: 1). Her personal experience with osteoporosis heightened her fear of potential collisions with e-bikes, which could result in severe consequences. [1]

In addition to the lack of helmet use, the physician highlighted the issue of young riders who do not possess a driver’s license and the absence of enforcement of traffic rules for e-bikes. She called for increased awareness, parental involvement in teaching road safety, and stronger measures from authorities to ensure the safety of all road users (Source ID: 1). [1]

A hearing-impaired physician in Santa Barbara recounted a recent incident in which she was nearly struck by an e-bike rider on the sidewalk along Chapala Street. The physician, who identifies as an environmentalist, expressed concern over the increasing number of e-bike riders who do not wear helmets and often ride on sidewalks, walking paths, and trails. The incident occurred when the physician was walking on the sidewalk and was nearly hit by an e-bike rider who was not wearing a helmet and was riding on the wrong side of the street. The rider apologized for frightening her but did not stop to address the safety concerns (Source ID: 1). [1]

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The physician highlighted the issue of young riders who do not possess a driver’s license and the absence of enforcement of traffic rules for e-bikes. She emphasized that not wearing a helmet on a motorcycle, bicycle, or an e-bike is not healthy and can lead to catastrophic head injuries in the event of an accident. The physician, who is a senior with osteoporosis, expressed particular concern about the potential consequences of a collision with an e-bike while walking. She noted that she walks to improve her fragile bones but fears the risks posed by e-bikes on sidewalks and trails (Source ID: 1). [1]

The physician, who describes herself as an old hippie doctor who has been questioning authority since she was twelve, called on authorities to address the safety concerns surrounding e-bikes. She urged people to wear helmets on any wheeled conveyance and asked parents to teach their children the rules of the road and ensure they wear helmets correctly. The physician believes that the issue can be solved with increased awareness and enforcement of traffic rules for e-bikes (Source ID: 1). [1]

A hearing-impaired physician in Santa Barbara recounted a recent incident in which she was nearly struck by an e-bike rider on the sidewalk along Chapala Street. The physician, who identifies as an environmentalist, expressed concern over the increasing number of e-bike riders who do not wear helmets and often ride on sidewalks, walking paths, and trails (Source ID: 1). [1]

The physician highlighted the issue of young riders who do not possess a driver’s license and the absence of enforcement of traffic rules for e-bikes. She emphasized that not wearing a helmet on an e-bike is not healthy and can lead to catastrophic head injuries in an accident (Source ID: 1). [1]

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As a senior with osteoporosis, the physician expressed particular concern about the potential consequences of a collision with an e-bike on sidewalks where pedestrians, including walkers, are present. She called on authorities to address the safety concerns surrounding e-bikes and urged parents to teach children the rules of the road and ensure they wear helmets correctly (Source ID: 1). [1]

Sources

The Santa Barbara Independent

Prepared with AI assistance from the cited sources.

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