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E-Bike and Bicycle Safety Initiative
With the rising popularity of electric bikes (e-bikes), concerns regarding e-bike rider safety, e-bike injury traffic collisions, and e-bike theft have also increased in recent years. In response to these issues, particularly the unsafe and inexperienced e-bike riding by juveniles observed and reported by residents, RSM Police Services developed an E-bike Safety Initiative. This initiative consists of three phases: education, engagement, and enforcement. We are adopting a community-wide approach, involving various stakeholders, including policymakers, e-bike manufacturers, vendors, and school districts, to address these concerns.
The Education phase involves lectures at various middle schools (both public and private), delivered by Child Safety Deputies and Motor Deputies. The large student population in RSM has presented unique public safety challenges, prompting collaboration with schools to educate the community on e-bike safety and etiquette. In 2022, RSM Police Services conducted four e-bike presentations, including one at RSM Intermediate School and three at the Bell Tower. Given the surge in e-bike purchases and a lack of awareness about related laws, RSM Police Services focused more on education than enforcement during late 2022 and early 2023.
For the 2023-2024 period, four additional presentations were provided on school campuses, with plans for future presentations. These sessions aim to educate both e-bike riders and the general public on safe e-bike use and coexistence with pedestrians and traditional cyclists. Topics covered include e-bike categories, speeds, capabilities, traffic laws, helmet use, and the importance of safety equipment like reflective clothing, lights, bells, and horns.
We have partnered with Mission Hospital to provide free helmet fittings for children in need and proposed mandatory e-bike-specific training for all students riding to and from school. After each presentation, we recommend that underage riders take a competency test, similar to driver’s education, to demonstrate proficiency in traffic laws and e-bike safety. Key components of this proposal include collaboration with schools to establish joint messaging, dismount zones during pick-up and drop-off times, “admin locks” for securing unsafe e-bikes, and bicycle parking permits requiring a code of conduct acknowledgment.
The Engagement phase, which takes place during the early summer months, involves partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and Mission Hospital. RSM Police Services staff engage with teens to reinforce positive behavior, providing giveaways and snacks. This phase also includes extensive public messaging through RSM Police Services, social media, school districts, and newsletters.
In both 2022 and 2024, RSM Police Services participated in Bike Rodeo and E-Bike Safety events, where youth were educated, and positive behavior was reinforced. The event encouraged families to ride their bikes to the Bell Tower Regional Community Center, where they engaged with local businesses and organizations to discuss bike safety. Participants collected stickers for visiting vendor booths, and earned free ice cream and pizza coupons by answering bike safety questions. The highlight of the event was the “Stuntmasters” BMX Stunt show, which combined high-flying tricks with messages about bike safety and perseverance.
Safety concepts discussed at the event included wearing helmets, using hand signals, wearing reflective clothing, staying alert, and proper use of bike bells or verbal cues when passing pedestrians. An e-bike vendor was also present to promote safety through the sale and maintenance of e-bikes that meet established safety standards. Moving forward, we plan to host an E-Bike and Bicycle Safety Event annually.
The Enforcement phase is designed to address and modify the behavior of individuals who persist in unsafe practices. Over the past year, motor units have towed several electric motorcycles, and during these interventions, RSM Police Services staff educated riders and parents on relevant California Vehicle Code sections and bicycle safety best practices. We have encountered multiple incidents of underage e-bike riders engaging in unsafe behaviors in traffic lanes, a frequent source of citizen complaints. Enforcement actions will be taken against unsafe riding, with parents notified.