The police and crime commissioner (PCC) has pledged to tackle the danger posed by e-bikes on the streets of North Wales.

The issue of e-bikes, off-road bikes, and e-scooters being used inappropriately has been raised by residents over recent months.

A number of accidents and injuries caused to pedestrians have heightened concerns.

The PCC, Andy Dunbobbin, has vowed to address this issue during Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week, which runs from November 18 to 24.

His efforts to make North Wales' streets safer for all have already begun.

At the North Wales Police's Strategic Executive Board meeting on October 30, Mr Dunbobbin conducted a review of road safety, examining the problem of e-bikes and similar modes of transport.

The meeting with North Wales Police chief officers included a performance review based on the priorities in the PCC's Police and Crime Plan.

The PCC received an update on how North Wales Police are dealing with off-road motorcycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters.

Past initiatives by the police, such as Operation Blue Takeoff and the Rural Crime Team's operation targeting the illegal and antisocial use of off-road bikes, have sought to tackle this problem.

The issue of e-bikes and e-scooters being ridden inappropriately is likely to be included in the plan.

The PCC intends to hold the Chief Constable accountable, ensuring adequate resources are devoted to this issue and police campaigns continue to make the streets safer for all users.

He also plans to collaborate with the UK and Welsh Government to introduce new legislation aimed at curbing ASB associated with e-bikes and e-scooters.

Mr Dunbobbin said: "The issue of e-bikes, e-scooters and also off-road bikes, being ridden inappropriately is one that has been raised with me time and again in recent months.

"It was a key topic mentioned by many people during the public consultation I recently undertook for my forthcoming Police and Crime Plan for North Wales.

"Members of the region’s Police and Crime Panel have also relayed the concerns of their communities on the subject at meetings I have had with them."

He also stressed the need for caution, given recent accidents.

"The safety of these bikes and scooters is therefore clearly of importance to many residents of North Wales and recent accidents have shown that it is an area where we need to remain vigilant. 

"The Police are developing ways to tackle when they are used for anti-social behaviour, an approach which I fully support."

He recognised that although most riders operate e-scooters and e-bikes responsibly, a small number do not.

Mr Dunbobbin said: "As PCC, I remain committed to working with the Chief Constable to address public concerns around e-bikes, e-scooters and off-road bikes."

"Many riders use e-scooters and e-bikes appropriately and with concern for pedestrians, but there is a minority who do not and they must know their behaviour is unacceptable."

He concluded by stating that the safety of the streets is a priority.

"I am determined that our streets should be safe for all, whether they are pedestrians, riders or drivers – there is no excuse for putting others in danger or causing injuries by reckless riding," he said.