Update: Since publishing this news, we have seen unconfirmed eyewitness social media photos and videos that indicate the device being ridden was likely an e-moped, not an e-bike as stated by SFPD in their fatality report. We’ve updated our post below to reflect this new information. The type of device being ridden in this instance does not change our position on the heartbreaking outcome of the crash, nor our sympathy to the victim who lost their life – the person riding the e-moped. We know that traffic deaths are preventable when we hold city and state leaders accountable for better infrastructure, stronger regulation and widespread education.
However, incorrectly identifying the device involved in this crash as an e-bike perpetuates a narrative that Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes, which are legally allowed in the bike lane and have pedal-assisted top speeds of 20 or 28mph, are dangerous. This misconception can lead to cities unfairly targeting and criminalizing people riding legal e-bikes instead of working toward solutions that make everyone safer.
We’ll be publishing a blog post in the coming weeks that goes into more detail on the distinction that already exists between e-bikes and electric mopeds, and explains our stance on the need for better regulatory enforcement that would keep everyone safe.
We are heartbroken to share that a person riding an e-moped succumbed to their injuries yesterday afternoon after colliding with two pedestrians at Divisadero and Fell on Monday, July 21. Though their identity is not yet known, our hearts are with their family and friends today.
SFPD’s initial report indicates that the person riding was traveling northbound on Divisadero with the green light when two pedestrians crossing westbound on Fell against a red light walked in front of the person riding and all three collided. Per SFPD’s report, the person who had been riding succumbed to their injuries on Friday.
As we seek out more information, we are saddened and angry – no one should lose their lives on our streets – and we will continue to press state-level legislators to work towards safety-oriented solutions to better regulate the sale of, and education around, e-mopeds. This is the 18th traffic fatality in the city this year.
