San Francisco, CA – A recent tweet from prominent commentator Susan Dyer Reynolds has reignited public debate over the regulation of e-bikes and e-scooters in San Francisco, citing "multiple fatalities in July alone" and questioning the stance of city officials and advocacy groups. The tweet specifically called out Alicia John-Baptiste, Mayor Daniel Lurie's newly appointed Chief of Infrastructure, Climate, and Mobility, and prominent street safety organizations.
Alicia John-Baptiste assumed her role as Chief of Infrastructure, Climate, and Mobility in Mayor Daniel Lurie's administration in early 2025, a position she took after serving as President and CEO of SPUR, a leading urban policy think tank. Reynolds' tweet highlighted John-Baptiste's reported "six figures" salary, implying a responsibility to address the growing safety concerns related to e-mobility devices. Mayor Lurie was sworn in as San Francisco's 46th Mayor in January 2025.
The tweet's assertion of fatalities gains traction from recent incidents. On July 22, 2025, a 77-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed by an electric scooter rider in San Francisco, an incident widely reported by local news outlets. This fatality underscores the ongoing challenges in integrating micromobility devices safely into the city's urban landscape.
The tweet also questioned the positions of advocacy groups @LukeBornheimer, @StreetsForAllSF, and @walksf on these safety issues. Both Streets For All SF and Walk SF have actively engaged with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) regarding e-bike and e-scooter regulations. In September 2024, the SFMTA Board approved new regulations, effective early 2025, which include speed limits, mandatory helmet use for minors, and stricter parking rules.
Walk SF Communications Director Marta Lindsey commented on the July pedestrian fatality, stating, "Our hearts break for the victim and his loved ones. People walking in San Francisco shouldn’t have to worry about being hit by any type of vehicle, whether a car or an e-scooter." Streets For All SF also supported the new SFMTA regulations, emphasizing that "these new rules are a crucial step towards creating a safer and more predictable environment for all road users." The organizations advocate for balanced regulations that promote safety while allowing e-mobility to be a viable part of the city's transportation network.