E-bike safety warning after grandfather's death

The family of a man who was killed when he was hit by an e-bike are calling for better education about their dangers and warning parents to be careful of what they buy for their children.

Jim Blackwood, a 91-year-old army veteran, died of internal injuries after being hit while on a pavement outside his home in Rochester, Kent, in July 2023.

His daughter, Christine White, and granddaughter, Jenni Coleman, are urging parents to think about the consequences of what they buy and make sure e-bikes are safe before Christmas.

Clifford Cage admitted manslaughter over Mr Blackwood's death in October, changing his plea after initially pleading not guilty.

Ms White said: "Hopefully we can start moving on and not have to relive what happened to dad.

"It's nice to remember him for who he was and not how he died.

"I think there should be some form of mandatory e-bike training in schools. They are a great mode of transport, but they are interfering with people's safety."

Mr Blackwood, a great-grandfather who served in the Army for 26 years, died three months after Cage knocked him down while he was taking his recycling out.

Ms Coleman told BBC South East that people who were buying e-bikes as gifts "aren't thinking about the consequences of their actions" and that safety was "something to think about".

E-bike motors must not exceed 250 watts and must cut out at 15.5mph, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).

Police forces also have the power to seize e-bikes which do not comply, a spokesperson added.

Other safety concerns regarding e-bikes include fire risks involving e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries, including e-bike conversion kits.

Jonathan Harrison, director of the association of cycle trainers, said e-bikes were "really, really positive when used correctly".

He added: "With the right guidance, reliable equipment and continued support e-bikes become an overwhelmingly positive experience."

A DfT spokesperson said that road safety was a "top priority", adding: "We're proposing new offences and penalties for dangerous cycling, updating legislation more than 160 years old, to ensure that those who recklessly disregard others face the full force of the law."

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