Are road riders expectations of e-bike riders inherently unfair, and if so, do these expectations stem from a lack of understanding about the technology and capabilities of e-bikes, or are they rooted in a deeper, more elitist mindset that views e-bikes as somehow lesser than traditional bicycles? Is it fair to expect e-bike riders to adhere to the same rules and etiquette as traditional cyclists, or should there be a separate set of guidelines that take into account the unique characteristics and limitations of e-bikes? Furthermore, do the often-heard complaints about e-bikes being too fast or too powerful on shared roads and bike paths reflect a legitimate concern for safety, or are they simply a manifestation of the same kind of us vs. them mentality that has always plagued the cycling community? By extension, are e-bikes seen as a threat to the traditional cycling hierarchy, where riders who have spent years honing their skills and building their endurance feel that e-bike riders are somehow cheating or getting a free pass? Ultimately, is it possible to find a middle ground where both traditional cyclists and e-bike riders can coexist peacefully, or will the tensions between these two groups continue to simmer just below the surface?
I think not. It's just a matter of adapting and sharing the road, just like we always have.
