East Sussex Woman Injured by E-Bike Expresses Fear of Leaving Home

An East Sussex resident sustained broken ribs and a broken wrist after being struck by an electric bike, stating she is “very scared of going out now”. Christina Marchand, a resident of Whitehawk in Brighton, was hit by an individual riding an electric bike on the pavement while she was walking to shops on Whitehawk Road on October 19. Her family noted that the 75-year-old was “very independent” prior to the incident, which has now caused her apprehension about leaving her home. Sussex Police confirmed they are investigating the event and have appealed for individuals to provide any relevant CCTV footage. Mrs. Marchand recounted her experience to BBC Radio Sussex, stating, “It was pretty horrific, I was in a lot of pain.” She added, “I couldn’t get up, a lot of people came to help me. The boy [riding the e-bike] didn’t stay around, he did apologise but then he was gone.” She further described, “He was going at such a speed that he pushed me along the pavement. I had only just recovered from having broken ribs and now this will take six weeks to heal.” Mrs. Marchand also noted, “I didn’t hear him coming because it was an electric bike.” Following the incident, Mrs. Marchand reported being unable to get out of bed, necessitating her stay with her son. Her family indicated that e-bikes and e-scooters are frequently ridden on pavements in the locality. They advocate for an increased police presence in the Whitehawk area and propose legislation to prohibit children under 16 from operating e-bikes. Under UK law, individuals over 14 years of age are permitted to ride e-bikes. Cyclists who ride on pavements are subject to a £30 fixed penalty notice. The use of privately owned e-scooters is prohibited on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes. Mrs. Marchand further commented, “I’m very scared of going out now and am always looking behind me because unfortunately I see them all the time. It’s like this every day.” Her daughter, Emilie Marchand, stated, “Something really bad will happen one day, there needs to be stricter rules.” A spokesperson for Sussex Police confirmed: “Officers are investigating and have made contact with her to share updates, and to wish her well with her ongoing recovery.” The spokesperson added, “We encourage people concerned about anti-social behaviour and anti-social cycle riding to report it to us.” They also reminded the public that “Riders of bicycles and e-bikes are reminded of the Highway Code and that it is illegal to ride on a pavement.” The police requested that “Anyone with information about the incident involving Mrs Marchand is asked to contact police.”