E-bikes
Re “Virginia Beach gears up to consider e-bike rules” (A1, Oct. 7): Much of the discussion about e-bikes has felt one-sided, and I urge Virginia Beach leaders to pursue a more balanced approach that supports safe micromobility rather than restricting it.
Before moving here, I commuted my two daughters to school for two years in Washington, D.C., by e-bike on a shared-use path (pedestrians, e-bike, bike) with clear rules: “pass on the left,” “share the road,” pedal-assist only, and a 20 mph limit. It worked well because expectations were posted and enforced.
In Virginia Beach, I continued this routine on the Boardwalk bike path, never exceeding 10 mph, and I was routinely passed by conventional cyclists riding much faster. That experience underscores that speed is not inherently tied to electric assistance. I also often observed pedestrians wandering along the bike path, even where prohibited.
Other tourist-heavy cities with far more congestion manage shared spaces with signage, speed limits and enforcement. Virginia Beach should benchmark against these peer cities if it wants to remain a modern, attractive destination.
A reasonable solution would be clearly posted speed limits (under 15 mph) applied to all users, which provides a clear standard for law enforcement. Pair that with targeted education, enforcement and pilot programs to gather real data. Restricting e-bikes risks forcing more short trips into cars, increasing congestion, parking strain and emissions.
E-bikes are not a threat, but an opportunity: Family-friendly, sustainable and space-efficient. I urge city leaders to reconsider the proposed restrictions and embrace a more nuanced strategy.
Peyton Tata Tackes, Virginia Beach
Fight back
Re “Jones apologizes as Miyares and others admonish AG hopeful” (A1, Oct. 6): Democrats, Jay Jones has apologized, yet you’re allowing the Republican Party to tear him down. Why are we letting them destroy one of our own while President Donald Trump continues his often violent rhetoric, and not a single Republican is condemning him?
Why is it that Republicans rally around their candidates no matter what, but Democrats hesitate to defend ours? It’s time to stop being spineless and start standing up for each other.
This is exactly what’s wrong with the Democratic Party: We don’t stick together. Every time a Republican launches an attack, we retreat instead of pushing back. Enough is enough. Stand up. Fight back. Defend your own.
Natalie Grayson, Suffolk
Equal votes
We were confused when seeing the big signs around town proclaiming that voting for the 10-1 option in Virginia Beach’s voting referendum would somehow interfere with parents’ rights or lead to “taxation without representation.” After researching the issue, the Virginia Beach Branch of the American Association of University Women decided to endorse the 10-1 system. It is clearly a fairer system of representation.
A “yes” vote for 10-1 means that Virginia Beach remains divided into 10 districts, with relatively the same number of citizens in each district. Officials who live in a district would be elected by the citizens of that district. The mayor would be elected by the whole population. This system would ensure that each citizen has an equal say in who conducts the city’s business. This system ensures that each citizen has an equal voice.
On the other hand, the 7-3-1 system would split the city into just seven districts. Each district would elect one official who lives in that district. However, three officials would be voted on by everyone … and could live anywhere in the city. This could conceivably result in four council members from one district. Further, the mayor could also live in that district. If that were the case, that one district would then have five votes while the other six districts would have only one vote each.
Let’s vote for equal representation. Vote yes on the 10-1 referendum.
Sally Daniel, president, Virginia Beach Branch of AAUW, Virginia Beach
