E-Bikes Under Scrutiny in Bethany Beach

At the April 24 meeting of the Bethany Beach Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee, one topic dominated the conversation: electric bikes (e-bikes).

While the popularity of e-bikes continues to grow, so do concerns about their speed and impact on public safety—especially for pedestrians and traditional cyclists. Committee members voiced their worries, calling the devices “fast and dangerous,” and emphasized the need for thoughtful regulation.

Why the Concern?

Across the country, towns like Bethany Beach are grappling with how to integrate e-bikes into existing infrastructure while maintaining safety for all road users.

“I’d like to suggest we do a special effort because I think we can make a lot of progress, not just here in Bethany but all up and down Delaware’s roads,”
– Committee Member Dan Rosenblatt

Possible Solutions on the Table

• Equipping Local Police with E-Bikes
  A more approachable presence on two wheels may help build rapport with younger riders and allow officers to better manage bike paths and boardwalks.

• Expanded Regional Collaboration
  Committee members acknowledged that regulating e-bikes may require state-level coordination, given their widespread use beyond Bethany Beach borders.

About the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee

The committee’s mission is clear:
To advise the Town Council and Town Manager on bicycle and pedestrian safety, and to create a safer Bethany Beach for walkers and riders alike.

Scope of Work Includes:

• Researching and evaluating current safety conditions

• Reviewing the physical constraints of town streets

• Coordinating with DelDOT where necessary

• Communicating safety strategies to the public

• Exploring new technologies and practices from other towns

What’s Next?

The conversation on e-bikes is just beginning. As beach season approaches and traffic increases, Bethany Beach is looking at proactive steps to prevent accidents and keep both visitors and locals safe.

📣 Stay informed as new recommendations develop. Bethany Beach may soon become a model for e-bike safety across Delaware’s coastline.