Why Are Electric Bikes Clogging Minnesota Sidewalks While Bike Lanes Sit Empty?

Taking a walk on a warm summer day is one of my favorite things to do, particularly as a Minnesotan who is stuck on a treadmill for at least six months out of the year.

Honestly, if it weren't for all of the responsibilities of adulthood I'd probably just roam the earth walking, like Kung Fu or Forrest Gump. Pop in some ear buds, turn on a podcast and I will just keep marching like the Energizer Bunny.

PLEASE USE THE BIKE LANE

With that being said, it's become a little bit harder to be a walker on some area sidewalks recently due to insanely fast e-bikes piloted by children and adults alike. The good news is, there is a built-in answer right next to the sidewalk itself: the bike lane!

University Drive in St. Cloud has a bit of a narrow sidewalk as it is when you cross the bridge. Just the other day two bikes came flying up behind me, not only on the sidewalk instead of the bike lane but on the wrong side of traffic altogether, with the one woman shouting at me!

I quickly jumped closer to the fence on the bridge as they sped past me. I'll put part of it on me because I did have headphones on and probably should be more aware, but at the same time they have an entire bike lane open to them off of the sidewalk!

AGAIN.. (GESTURES TOWARD THE BIKE LANE) 

I had the same situation a couple of weeks ago on Riverside Avenue in Sartell. Once again, there's a very clearly marked and plenty wide bike lane for that purpose.

Electric bikes are cool! I love that they go fast and people are getting outside more often with them, but let's not wait until someone gets hurt to start using common sense on pedestrian right-of-ways.