SOUTH DEERFIELD — A 50-year-old man riding an electric bike sustained a broken ankle following a collision with a black 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe near 90 Sugarloaf St. on Thursday morning, according to Deerfield Police Chief John Paciorek Jr.
South County EMS transported the man to Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield.
Paciorek said the incident occurred at 10:45 a.m. when the SUV passed the e-bike rider, who was traveling in the bike lane, before turning right by Wrisley Funeral Home. Not expecting an e-bike to be traveling at around 35 mph, the SUV driver made the turn. The e-bike rider struggled to slow down in time, leading to a “mutual-fault accident,” Paciorek explained. No charges have been filed.
The police chief believes Thursday’s incident represents a growing public safety problem with an increase of e-bikes on the road and legislation lagging behind.
“Drivers are not anticipating an electric bike going 30, 38 mph in a bicycle lane,” Paciorek said. “The Legislature needs to step in and enact some rules on the road.”
According to state law, electric bikes can travel in bike lanes, but not on sidewalks. Paciorek said he may speak with state Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Natalie Blais about adjusting safety regulations to better protect drivers and e-bike riders before spreading the word.
“It’s not so much about the enforcement,” Paciorek said. “It’s about the education.”
