The Popularity of e-Bikes on Las Cruces, New Mexico Roads Can Lead to Even More Accidents
At the Law Offices of Kenneth G. Egan, our Las Cruces, New Mexico bicycle accident attorney keeps his finger on the pulse of our city’s transportation options and how they affect our community.
Recently, the popularity of electric bicycles in Dona Ana County has drawn both enjoyments from riders and ire from passenger vehicles and pedestrians who share the roadways and paths with the fast-moving two-wheelers.
Electric Bicycles In The Las Cruces, New Mexico News
The Las Cruces Bulletin recently interviewed a local Las Cruces dentist, Roberto Trigo, who thoroughly enjoys riding an e-bike — especially at the faster speed it allows compared to a regular bicycle — during his daily commute to work and for running errands.
Las Cruces and the State of New Mexico treats e-bikes like regular bikes and does not require license or registration of electric bicycles.
Like standard bicycles, electric bicycles may be ridden on roadways, in bike lanes, and on bike paths, which means they are exposed to the same dangers other riders face when riding with much larger passenger vehicles.
Last year in New Mexico there were 360 bicycle accidents involving a passenger vehicle, and with the popularity of e-bikes growing in Las Cruces and throughout New Mexico, that number could increase.
E-Bike Accident and Injury Statistics in Las Cruces, New Mexico
Electric bicycle accident statistics are not exactly easy to find, as most cities admit that they do not record separate data for e-bikes and standard bicycles, which makes the collision impact difficult to track.
Clean Technica, who published an article last fall regarding the rise of injuries and fatalities on e-bikes, also covers the dangers to pedestrians who share paths with the fast-moving bicycles. E-bicycles are available in the U.S. in three classes, with the third providing speeds up to 28 miles per hour. At these speeds, a collision with a walker, jogger, or runner could seriously injure both parties — especially the pedestrian who has little natural or manufactured protection during a collision.
What Should I Do If I Am In An Electric Bicycle Crash In Las Cruces, New Mexico?
Admittedly, like standard bicycles, electric bicycles in Las Cruces can reduce congestion and pollution, providing a positive approach to urban transit. However, it is important to note that the dangers involved in riding these e-bicycles can be equal to or greater than the hazards standard bicyclists face each day.
If you are an e-bike rider who was involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle or a pedestrian who was hit by an e-bike rider, contact our Las Cruces, New Mexico personal injury attorney today at (575) 523-2222 for a free case evaluation. Our experienced bicycle accident lawyer will help remove any confusion involved in handling the legal aspects of your injuries, so you can focus on healing.