Hit-and-run victim is first e-bike death

A WOMAN is believed to have become the first pedestrian to die in Britain after being hit by an electric bicycle in a suspected hit-and-run.

Sakine Cihan was crossing a road in east London when she was struck by an electric-assisted “mountain bike-style” pedal cycle.

The 56-year-old died later in hospital. The Metropolitan Police said they believe it was the first such death to occur.

“E-bikes” do not require a licence and have a legal power-assisted speed of up to 15.5mph. However, they can reach higher speeds if

‘ The statistics show cyclists… present a minimal danger to others’

the rider pedals as well.

Following Ms Cihan’s death, cycling campaigners insisted the e-bikes were as safe as push bikes.

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’S head of campaigns, said: “Cycling UK’S thoughts are with Ms Cihan’s family during this difficult time resulting from this tragic incident.

“There’s a popular misconception that e-bikes power people about without any effort, when in fact the engine only helps riders pedalling to reach 15.5mph – at which point it cuts out.

“This is a speed many people regularly cycle at, and can actually improve the cyclist’s safety as they are able to keep up with the wider traffic flow, particularly in urban areas. The statistics show cyclists, whether on a conventional or e-bike, present a minimal danger to others.

“Given current laws already place strict limits on e-bikes’ maximum speed, Cycling UK does not believe there is any reason to suggest their use poses any greater risk to the public than a normal pedal cycle.”

Police were called to Kingsland High Street just after 5pm on Aug 28 after reports of a collision.

Ms Cihan, from Dalston, had been attempting to cross the road, said Scotland Yard.

Police said that the male cyclist initially stopped after falling off his bike, but then left the scene and dumped the dark red “e-bike” a mile away.

A spokesman said yesterday: “Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance. The woman was taken to hospital where she sadly died.”

A man has been arrested and has been released under investigation. Speaking at the time of the crash, Det Con Darren Case said it was a “shocking incident”.

Last year, Charlie Alliston was jailed for 18 months at the Old Bailey for killing Kim Briggs, a mother-of-two, while riding an illegal Olympic-style racing bike which had no front brakes. Alliston was cleared of manslaughter, but found guilty of causing bodily harm by “wanton and furious driving”.

A review designed to reflect public concern over safety on the roads has prompted MPS to consider introducing a new offence of causing death by careless or dangerous cycling.