Tag: e-bike

More parents facing criminal charges for their children’s electric motorcycle accidents

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Four cyclists riding along an Amsterdam canal-side bike path

Parents in a growing number of communities are being held responsible by authorities when their children are involved in serious accidents involving electric motorcycles. Videos of the practice often emerge on social media showing groups of children illegally riding e-motos, often performing dangerous stunts on busy roads. In California, it is illegal for children under 16 to ride e-motos, which have a higher-powered motor than electric bikes. In Southern California, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has attempted to crack down on the growing problem, bringing charges this year against 12 parents who are accused of letting their children illegally ride e-motos.

“I need to send a message in order to save other kids’ lives and to make sure other parents are taking responsibility for their children,” Spitzer told CBS News. Among those charged were the mother and father of 13-year-old Benson Nguyen, who had posted videos of himself to his TikTok channel doing risky tricks. In May, police said Nguyen was driving his e-moto recklessly at more than 40 miles per hour in the Orange County city of Garden Grove when he lost control and crashed into a light pole. He was taken to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries. Nguyen’s parents were charged with child endangerment.  Spitzer said he does not want to prosecute parents, but feels he has to. “I am a human being. I’ve raised two kids,” Spitzer said.

“We have to understand that when you break the law, especially as serious as this is, there has to be consequences.” According to numbers from the Orange County DA, there have been more than 125 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries attributed to e-bikes and e-motos across the U.S. In Orange County, they are now the leading cause of juvenile emergency room visits, the DA’s office said. “You shouldn’t furnish your kid a gun not understanding what they might do with that weapon,” Spitzer said. “And you certainly shouldn’t furnish a vehicle like an e-bike or an e-motorcycle.”

Source: More parents facing criminal charges for their children’s electric motorcycle accidents – CBS Texas

So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.
Exodus 23:25

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Modesto considers fines up to $5,000 for reckless bike riding

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Police officer briefing mountain bikers on a forest road

The Modesto City Council is moving forward with a proposed crackdown on reckless bicycle and e-bike riding, including fines of up to $5,000 and the possible impoundment of bikes for up to 30 days. Council members waived the ordinance’s first reading, advancing the proposal that targets dangerous stunts on public streets, groups of riders blocking traffic and street takeovers.

“We have a major problem in this town of bicyclists and e-bikers,” one resident told the council. Chris Ricci also urged city leaders to prioritize traffic safety. “Traffic safety needs to be a real priority right now,” Ricci said. Under the proposal, fines would increase with repeat violations:

  • First offense: $500
  • Second offense: $2,500
  • Third or subsequent offense: $5,000

Some residents questioned whether minors should face penalties immediately, particularly for violations that do not involve street takeovers. “I ask if a first non-takeover offense by a minor could start with a warning and a course instead,” one resident said. The proposed ordinance would allow police to require safety courses for minors. Officers could also impound bicycles for up to 30 days when necessary to prevent further dangerous riding or protect public safety.

Parents could face fines of up to $2,000 per minor if they assist, authorize or permit their children to violate the proposed rules. Police officials told the council that street takeovers have involved adults as well as younger riders. “We’ve had adults out there!” the police chief said. The proposal also includes a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit on city parks and trails, raising questions about how officers would enforce the restriction. One councilwoman questioned how police would identify and address riders who exceed the proposed limit.

Mayor Sue Zwahlen said the city wants residents to continue using its outdoor spaces. “We want people to walk and use our trails to bike. That’s what we want,” Zwahlen said. The proposal leaves questions about how parental responsibility would be determined. While it identifies circumstances in which parents could be fined, it does not specify exactly what police would need to prove to hold a parent responsible. The council’s action advances the ordinance, but it still requires final adoption before becoming law. If approved, the rules would take effect 30 days after the final vote.

Source: Modesto considers fines up to $5,000 for reckless bike riding – CBS Sacramento

The Almighty—we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.
Job 37:23

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Sacramento offers free e-bike and scooter safety classes as ridership grows

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yellow cargo e bike parked outside french supermarket

The City of Sacramento is putting on an urban biking and scooting workshop in the Valley Hi neighborhood. It comes as e-bikes are growing in popularity, but many people still aren’t following the rules. The series of free community classes aims to teach people how to safely ride bikes and scooters. It’s also an effort to reduce the risk of injury when riding on Sacramento streets. Ted Florez is taking the class after being hit by a car while riding his bike last fall on Folsom Boulevard. He spent days in the hospital with a broken arm and other serious internal injuries. “A kid made a left turn, didn’t see me in the bike lane in the middle of the intersection when we collided,” Florez said.

Last month, a 9-year-old Sacramento girl was killed in a hit-and-run crash while riding on the back of a motorized minibike. The city has been offering these safety classes online and is now taking them on the road in a series of summer neighborhood workshops. The 1-hour class helps answer some of the most common misconceptions. “There are laws around where you can ride and different ages and whether or not you need to wear a helmet,” said Nicole Zhi Ling Porter, the city’s senior transportation planner. Participants ride off with a better understanding of what’s required to safely get around town on two wheels. “That way they can roll, scoot, skate away confidently,” Porter said. The next free workshop will be on August 18 at the Colonial Heights Library on Stockton Boulevard.

Source: Sacramento offers free e-bike and scooter safety classes as ridership grows – CBS Sacramento

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”
John 6:35

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