Denver Dog Hit by E-Bike as Owner Raises Concerns About Sidewalk Safety
A Denver woman is warning other pet owners about the dangers of fast-moving e-bikes after her dog was struck while walking on a sidewalk in the Northfield neighborhood.
Rachel Freedman was walking her 4-year-old dog, Zeke, near her home on July 11 when an e-bike approached from behind and collided with him. Ring camera footage captured the impact, which sent the dog spinning around and left Freedman unsure at first whether he had been seriously injured.
Zeke survived the collision, but the incident was especially upsetting for Freedman because of the dog’s difficult past. She said Zeke had previously suffered abuse, starvation and injuries before coming into her care. Over the past four years, she has spent significant time and money on training to help him become comfortable and feel safe again.
According to Freedman, the e-bike rider stopped briefly after hitting Zeke but became confrontational before leaving the scene. She said the rider did not warn her that he was approaching from behind or slow down before the collision.
Denver Police are investigating the incident.
Freedman believes what happened to Zeke highlights a growing safety problem in her neighborhood. She said e-bikes and e-scooters have become increasingly common on sidewalks, including in areas where bike lanes are available nearby.
She is particularly concerned about young riders traveling at high speeds around pedestrians, pets and vehicles and worries a more serious or even deadly accident could eventually occur.
Freedman is encouraging parents and riders to become more familiar with traffic and pedestrian safety rules and to use greater caution around others. Zeke survived the frightening encounter, but she hopes his experience serves as a warning before someone else is seriously hurt.
