Investigation launched into Cowboy e-bike racing challenge
The Brussels public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into Belgian electric bike manufacturer Cowboy over a game that encourages cyclists to race against each other in virtual sprints.
Cowboy owners have an app that allows them to track their bike’s location and see data such as the status of the battery. The app recently received an upgrade that allows users to race against each other in a series of games. Amsterdam has already banned the use of the app for racing and in Belgium, the road safety institute VIAS has reacted with concern.
The Brussels public prosecutor’s office has now decided to open an investigation. “This is because they are suspected of letting their clientele race electric bikes against each other by means of ‘exciting games’ via their application,” a spokesperson said.
The office “wants to stress that this is irresponsible and dangerous. The road safety of Brussels residents and people visiting Brussels is an absolute priority.”
Following the negative reaction, Cowboy announced at the weekend that it had temporarily shut down the app to reassess its safety. “We are listening and we will fully cooperate with the Amsterdam municipality to discuss safety and temporarily pause the racing game while we investigate,” CEO Adrien Roose said.
“It is important that road users, including cyclists, always adapt their traffic behaviour and speed to the circumstances,” a VIAS spokesperson told Het Nieuwsblad. “And that people do not let themselves be rushed by other road users, or certainly not by an app that challenges you to a race.”
© BELGA PHOTO JUAN GODBILLE
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