Amsterdam is one of six European cities that will soon test a system that can remotely limit the speed of electric bicycles. Amsterdam’s traffic alderman, Melanie van der Horst, tested the system herself last week, NRC reports.

Alrighty,

So your system knows the exact situation and still is slowing down my bike, just at the moment I need to accelerate to avoid being overrun by that large truck heading into me.

How stupid are these folks? We’ve got rules, when people don’t follow those rules, you fine them. Case closed.

No system to prevent a bike speeding, teach people to obey the law.

  • cosmicrookie@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    8 months ago

    The article also describes this working on lower speed limits like close to schools or when approaching worksites. I can’t see why this is not a good idea

    • utopiah@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      8 months ago

      I can’t see why this is not a good idea

      I believe the argument here is that it’s security theater, i.e it looks positive but in practice has literally no effect. To clarify if people buy a “normal” e-bike today, they are already speed limited. Consequently people who have bike going faster that said limit are doing something already beyond the ordinary. The likelihood that such people would suddenly change their behavior to buy typical bikes when they have even more restrictions is probably not high, but the announcement still makes it look like something is done for the greater good.

      • cosmicrookie@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        8 months ago

        The way i see it, its an area that is in the process of becoming regulated. The article mentions

        More than half of all electric cyclists ride faster than the permitted 25 kilometers

        This can’t be the case if they are speed limited

        • utopiah@lemmy.worldEnglish
          1·
          8 months ago

          My bad I didn’t see that proportion thanks for clarifying. As more than half are already going over the speed limit then there is indeed a more systemic problem. I thought it was about say 10% fringe that go with heavily modified bikes. I’m not sure more tech would help though, rather than fines with explanation of the risk until people do start respecting the limit. If people are unable to respect that and it causes more accidents, then yes ISA on e-bikes, cars, everything causing accident on the road.