Darien E-Bike Issues? Just Call 911, Chief Says

DARIEN, IL – Complaints are mounting about youths recklessly riding electric bicycles in Darien.

In response, the local police chief has a recommendation for residents: Just call 911.

Towns all over Illinois are hearing concerns about e-bikes. Just this month, Hinsdale and Elmhurst officials spoke about the problem.

At Monday's Darien City Council meeting, Police Chief Greg Thomas reminded aldermen that riders of bicycles, electric or otherwise, must follow the rules of the road.

"So when they don't have lighting, it's a violation. If they're speeding, it's a violation. Riding through a stop sign? It's a violation. Distracted driving? Violation. Riding on one wheel? Violation," Thomas said. "Just call 911. We'll come out and investigate."

On a recent day, officers stopped two girls on e-bikes who were speeding and breaking the rules, the chief said. The parents were called, and the situation was handled, he said.

In another case, a boy was "flying down the street" at Clarendon Hills and Plainfield roads and ran through the light, Thomas said.

"A patrol car was there, and the officer got the boy and took care of the situation," the chief said.

He said he would present a proposed ordinance dealing with e-bikes at the council's July 21 meeting.

Earlier in Monday's meeting, resident Tracy Sims, who lives on 71st Street, spoke about problems with e-bikes on his street. He said he was afraid of backing out and hurting a rider zooming down the street.

In one case, he said, two boys were riding on e-bikes near his home.

"One does a wheelie all down the street. The other was looking down at his cellphone," he said. "They're not even looking, but they're going down the middle of the street."