Santa Barbara Police Step In to Educate Young Riders on E-Bike Safety
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – E-bikes are surging in popularity among Santa Barbara’s young riders, and police say safety can’t be left in the dust.
Students traded class for a crash-course in e-bike safety at la Colina Junior High School in Santa Barbara.
“In response to just concerns about E bike ridership that police department has started reaching out to schools and doing a brief E bike safety presentation to the kids,” said traffic ergeant Douglas Klug of the Santa Barbara Police Department.
Officers from Police Department led hands-on demonstrations in the school parking lot.
“To teach the kids to ride safely to “behave responsibly and not create problems in traffic,” said Klug.
During the presentation, officers gave demonstrations aimed at preventing injuries.
“I hope that people don’t crash on it and like they could be safe … It’s important because like lots of people get hurt on it and they’re kind of like helping people not getting hurt,” said student Peyton Collins of La Colina Junior High School.
Officers plan to bring similar sessions to other local campuses.
“I hope it is by starting with little kids with young kids we could teach them from the beginning to be more responsible riders as they grow up,” said Klug.
Small lessons, big payoff.
The presentation comes amid growing concern about speeding, helmet use, and risky riding habits among teens.
The department hopes the lessons will not only reduce violations under the city’s new e-bike safety ordinance but also save lives.
Police are urging parents to reinforce the message at home and make sure every rider wears a helmet before taking off.
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