Rachel Morgan writes:
A harrowing incident has left an elderly woman shaken after she was involved in a collision with an e-bike in Skellingthorpe, sparking renewed concerns about the regulation of these vehicles. According to eyewitness accounts, 77-year-old Ally Whyatt was walking on Route 64, a public cycle path, when a cyclist lost control and struck her at speed.
Details of the incident suggest that the e-bike, which is believed to have been travelling between 20-30mph – well above the 15.5mph limit for such vehicles on designated paths – left Mrs Whyatt with serious injuries, including a cut elbow, grazed knee, and injured shoulder.
Her husband, Mike Whyatt, who was accompanying her at the time of the incident, alleged that the cyclist failed to stop and offer assistance after the collision. Instead, he verbally abused his wife before fleeing the scene, leaving her lying on the ground 'flat on her face' and bleeding.
Lincolnshire Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Inspector Jason Baxter described the cyclist's actions as 'completely unacceptable', stating that police possess CCTV footage of a person in the area they wish to interview.
The case has highlighted wider concerns about the use and regulation of e-bikes, with authorities warning that these vehicles can be used for anti-social behaviour and illicit activities. Inspector Baxter noted that some individuals view e-bikes as a useful tool for their nefarious purposes, echoing recent operations in Lincolnshire where 26 illegal e-scooters and bikes were seized.