Looks like someone’s (the OP by the look of it) already started a petition
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ban-e-bikes-from-offroad-footpaths-and-cycle-routes
That wasn’t me.
I wasn’t going to weigh back in, but now a victim of identity fraud, probably by someone who rides an E-bike (JOKING), perhaps I should.
I don’t have massive trouble with e-bikes.
That particular rider, who was on an e-bike, I do have an issue with. He was rude and obtuse. The path was easily wide enough for four bikes, yet to ring a bell and shout move, has nothing to do with the status of your bike being electric or not, but everything to do with being a tosser.
I would never purposefully block another rider but when the bike is travelling so fast it could cause an accident, time must be given for the rider to move over and when they do they should be polite about it.
What I love about mountain biking is the camaraderie. Last time I was at degla, my mate had 5 pincg flats, I got a bollocking of the Mrs cause we were so late back. Everytime we stopped, when we were squeezing the last of the vulcanising solution on to the already punctured inner tube, everyone who went past asked if we needed a hand or tools. That’s my sport, the sport I wake up for at unknown hours for, the sport I have arguments with my wife for and the sport that turns my kitchen table into a work bench.
Yet, when someone comes flying past me at 25mph and shouts move at my mate, I don’t see that camaraderie.
I’m sure that there are decent e-bike riders, not everyone should be tarnished by the same brush. There will be those that would stop and those that would help but perhaps it’s because your speed removes you from the trials and tribulations of riding.
Ride your e-bike but remember what it’s like to ride. If you haven’t ridden, get out and ride on the type of bike that makes mountain bike riding what it is. Then go back on your e-bike and continue to make the sport great.