Reckless ebike users put all of us at risk | Letter

Kevin Lloyd is angered by the sheer impunity that radiates from users and calls for regulation

There may be something in the argument identified by Andy Beckett that increased use of ebikes reflects broader changes in urban areas, including the cost of housing (Lime bikes hurtling around the city: is this the revenge of a priced-out generation?, 8 August). Yet none of that excuses the sheer impunity that radiates from ebike users, worsened by the design of city bikes which encourage the rider to sit back as if on a magic steed from which to survey their kingdom.

Their irresponsibility imposes externalities on other road users and pedestrians: riding through red lights and across junctions with no heed to other traffic, wearing headphones (but seemingly never helmets), being on the phone or apparently scrolling while riding, carelessly weaving just to maintain a conversation, riding far too fast on paths shared with pedestrians, dropping bikes like litter. As for riding home after drinking in the pub – seriously?