Dangerous cycling on Guernsey roads

Friday, 18 September 2026 10:40

By Euan Mahy

E-bikes are being abused by youngsters riding 'three up' on machines designed for an adult and small child.

E-bikes are extremely popular in Guernsey but a minority are potentially endangering themselves and others by abusing them.

Some teenagers are using a bike to carry three people when it is only safe for an adult and a small child.

Dan Thwaite, who co-owns Adventure Cycles, is concerned:

"I’ve seen it on the roads this summer, in some instances coming past with people perhaps not peddling, just going fast with the throttle.

"They're teenagers predominantly, with the helmets dangling from the handlebars in many instances."

The Highway Code says that a cycle should only carry one person unless it is designed for more, but the bikes being abused in Guernsey are not big capacity cargo e-bikes.

Dan says not wearing a helmet, like many of these 'three up' teenagers, is dangerous, although not illegal in Guernsey:

"We’re now selling helmets with much higher safety ratings, designed with e-biking in mind because you’re travelling at a greater speed with a heavier bike. I don’t get on my bike without wearing a helmet."

E-bikes must be governed to 15mph but there are safety concerns around unrestricted machines that can easily exceed that.

A consultation is to take place in Guernsey on driving licence categories, including the legal age to be able to ride an e-bike, which is currently 14.

There are calls to lower it to 12, but Dan is unsure:

"It does rely on some level of maturity.

"That is not having multiple occupants on a bike at such a young age."

We have approached Guernsey Police for comment.