When I am out walking alone, I rely fairly heavily on the sounds around me. When I can’t see what is coming towards me, I hope that at least I will hear the sound indicating the approach. I am usually quite startled when the first sound I hear is when the person or bike is right beside me.
Now I have complained in the past about bicycle riders who don’t sound their bike bell but now I want to add the danger I feel at the silent approach of electric bikes and scooters. The trail where I often walk is open to both pedestrians and bicycles. I’m not opposed to this. What does scare me out of my wits is when a bike – pedal or electric – is suddenly upon me. The regular bikes are scary enough but at least I can sometimes hear the motion of the pedals as they get closer. Anyway, they aren’t quite as speedy as the electric bikes. My heart really does start to beat faster when suddenly out of the quiet there is an electric bike and rider beside me. Do they even have bells to ring? I’m not sure but I do know that I haven’t ever heard one.
Now, as for electric cars – well, just don’t let me get started! Electric cars are just as silent as the bikes and travel even more speedily. I always cross roads at intersections or at a pedestrian crosswalk if there is one, and although I know that legally I might have the right of way, I’m not sure that all motorists abide by this. If a vehicle or bike is traveling too quickly and silently for me to hear the sound, I doubt that my white cane would make any difference.
So, I’m not sure that this post will make any dent in the advent of electric vehicles and the hazard they might pose for those of us who rely more on sound than sight, but my little rant has helped me to unwind. Thank you for listening.
