More power is not always more dangerous. When I have to share a lane with cars, I feel much safer doing 28mph on my illegally powerful custom e-bike [0] than I would at 16mph, because my speed is better matched to the cars' and they have less desire to pass me.
But I agree, more dedicated bike lanes would be great.
ETA: Oh! I see California now (as of last Jan. 1) allows 28-mph pedal-controlled bikes under the new "class 3" designation. Unfortunately, my bike still doesn't quite fit in this category, as it's throttle-controlled. Hmm -- it's not clear to me why that distinction is that important.
But I agree, more dedicated bike lanes would be great.
ETA: Oh! I see California now (as of last Jan. 1) allows 28-mph pedal-controlled bikes under the new "class 3" designation. Unfortunately, my bike still doesn't quite fit in this category, as it's throttle-controlled. Hmm -- it's not clear to me why that distinction is that important.
[0] http://www.nomadcyclespdx.com/electric-bicycle-conversion-sy...