Camden Council Warns E-Bike Riders: No Cowboys on Shared Paths

Key Points

• Camden Council is reminding residents about responsible E-bike and E-scooter use to keep shared paths, parks, and public spaces safe and welcoming for everyone.
• The council emphasises the ‘See Something. Say Something.’ campaign, already familiar to residents, which partners with Wollondilly Shire Council and Camden Police Area Command.
• Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity promptly to their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
• The E-Bike Code outlines key responsibilities for riders, including slowing down to walking pace when others are nearby.
• Riders must ring their bell and call out “on your right” when passing people.
• Riders should remain alert to sudden changes, as people, pets, and prams can be unpredictable.
• E-bikes and E-scooters are prohibited in areas such as parks, playgrounds, and other signed locations.
• Mayor of Camden Council, Cr Therese Fedeli, highlights that E-bikes and E-scooters are increasingly popular in Camden.
• Mayor Fedeli states, “With convenience comes responsibility.”
• While many ride safely, unsafe behaviour, confusion around rules, and damage to public spaces risk others’ safety and detract from community enjoyment.
• The ‘See Something. Say Something.’ campaign aims to foster safer public spaces, reduce anti-social behaviour and crime, and improve crime reporting, now extending to irresponsible E-bike and E-scooter use.
• By riding responsibly, looking out for others, and showing respect, all can help keep Camden’s shared paths, parks, and public spaces safe, accessible, and enjoyable.

Inverted Pyramid News Story

Camden, Camden Council (North London News) 14 January 2026 – Camden Council is issuing a stark reminder to E-bike and E-scooter users to adhere strictly to safety rules on shared paths, parks, and public spaces, reinforcing the ‘See Something. Say Something.’ campaign to curb irresponsible riding and ensure community safety.

The initiative underscores a zero-tolerance approach to reckless behaviour, often dubbed “cowboys” on two wheels, amid rising popularity of these convenient transport modes. Council leaders stress that while many riders comply, lapses in etiquette and rule-breaking threaten pedestrians, families, and the upkeep of cherished communal areas.

What Is Camden Council Doing to Promote E-Bike Safety?

Camden Council is focusing on a clear, resident-familiar message through the ‘See Something. Say Something.’ campaign. This existing effort, run in partnership with Wollondilly Shire Council and Camden Police Area Command, urges locals to report suspicious activity without delay. Residents can contact their local police station directly or dial Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The council is particularly reminding E-bike and E-scooter riders of the E-Bike Code, a set of rules designed to safeguard everyone on shared paths. Key responsibilities include slowing down to walking pace whenever others are nearby, ensuring ample space and reduced risk of collisions. Riders must also ring their bell and verbally alert passers-by with a call of “on your right” during overtakes, promoting predictability in busy areas.

Furthermore, vigilance against sudden movements remains paramount, given the unpredictability of people, pets, and prams in public spaces. E-bikes and E-scooters face outright bans in designated zones like parks, playgrounds, and any signed-off locations, preventing damage and preserving these areas for non-motorised use.

Why Are E-Bikes and E-Scooters Gaining Popularity in Camden?

Mayor of Camden Council, Cr Therese Fedeli, acknowledges the surge in E-bike and E-scooter adoption as a preferred mode of transport around Camden. “E-bikes and E-scooters were becoming an increasingly popular way to get around Camden,” Mayor Fedeli said, as reported in the council’s official release.

This trend aligns with broader urban shifts towards eco-friendly, efficient mobility solutions, especially in densely populated North London boroughs like Camden. However, the mayor cautions that popularity amplifies risks if not managed responsibly.

What Risks Do Unsafe Riders Pose to the Community?

“With convenience comes responsibility,” Mayor Fedeli emphasised. While many people ride safely and respectfully, unsafe behaviour, confusion around the rules, and damage to public spaces can put others at risk and takes the fun out of shared community areas.

Such incidents erode trust in communal spaces, where families, joggers, and cyclists coexist. Reckless speeding, failure to signal passes, or ignoring no-go zones not only endanger lives but also strain maintenance budgets for paths and parks. The council views these as forms of anti-social behaviour warranting community intervention.

How Does the ‘See Something. Say Something.’ Campaign Address These Issues?

The ‘See Something. Say Something.’ campaign aims to contribute to safer public spaces for the Camden community, reduce anti-social behaviour and crime in the local area, and help improve reporting of crimes and anti-social behaviour. This now includes irresponsible and dangerous E-bike and E-scooter use, expanding its scope beyond traditional concerns.

By empowering residents to act as vigilant stewards, the campaign fosters a collective defence against threats to public welfare. Partnerships with Wollondilly Shire Council and Camden Police Area Command bolster its reach, ensuring reports lead to swift enforcement.

What Responsibilities Do Riders Have Under the E-Bike Code?

The E-Bike Code spells out precise obligations to mitigate hazards. Riders must slow to walking pace near others, averting potential accidents in crowded settings. A mandatory bell ring coupled with the shout “on your right” standardises passing protocols, giving pedestrians audible warning.

Staying alert to unpredictable elements—such as darting pets, strolling families with prams, or sudden pedestrian stops—forms the code’s defensive core. Prohibitions in parks, playgrounds, and signed areas protect vulnerable green spaces from tyre damage and congestion.

Who Is Camden Council Partnering With?

Collaboration underpins the initiative, with Camden Council teaming up with Wollondilly Shire Council and Camden Police Area Command. This triad leverages local policing expertise and inter-council resources to amplify the ‘See Something. Say Something.’ message.

Crime Stoppers provides an anonymous reporting lifeline at 1800 333 000, encouraging even hesitant witnesses to contribute without fear.

What Does Mayor Therese Fedeli Say About Responsible Riding?

Mayor Fedeli drives the narrative with a call to communal duty. “By riding responsibly, looking out for one another and being respectful of those around us, we can all play a part in helping to keep Camden’s shared paths, parks and public spaces safe, accessible and enjoyable for all,” she stated.

Her words frame responsibility as a shared endeavour, not a solitary burden. The mayor positions the campaign as a proactive step against escalating risks from modern mobility trends.

Why Is Reporting Suspicious Activity Crucial Now?

Prompt reporting forms the campaign’s heartbeat, targeting not just overt crime but subtle anti-social acts like dangerous E-scooter weaves through crowds. Local police stations stand ready for direct tips, while Crime Stoppers ensures confidentiality.

This layered approach aims to deter cowboys—those flouting rules with impunity—before incidents escalate. Early intervention preserves Camden’s reputation as a welcoming borough.

How Can Residents Contribute to Safer Shared Paths?

Residents beyond riders play pivotal roles by embodying ‘See Something. Say Something.’ Spotting erratic riding? Note details and report. Organising community watches or signage campaigns? Council welcomes input.

Education drives long-term change: schools, clubs, and workplaces can echo the E-Bike Code, normalising courtesy.

What Broader Impacts Does the Campaign Target?

Beyond immediate safety, the initiative seeks to slash anti-social behaviour and crime rates. Improved reporting channels promise data-driven policing, targeting hotspots for E-bike misuse.

Camden’s parks and paths, vital for mental health and recreation, benefit from reduced wear, sustaining taxpayer value.

What Makes Camden’s Approach Unique?

Unlike blanket bans elsewhere, Camden opts for empowerment and education, trusting residents’ goodwill. The E-Bike Code’s specificity—walking pace, verbal cues, alert zones—offers practical, enforceable standards.

Mayor Fedeli’s personal endorsement lends authority, bridging council policy with daily life.

Final Thoughts from Council Leadership

Cr Therese Fedeli encapsulates the ethos: convenience must not eclipse courtesy. Her vision of united, watchful communities underpins a safer Camden, where shared spaces thrive for generations.