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Amid the growing use of electronic bicycles throughout the Tri-Valley – particularly by young people – the Danville Police Department is striving to continue raising awareness around state and local laws and the risks of not following those regulations.
DPD made a total of 19 e-bike stops in town on May 21 during a coordinated effort with their fellow Tri-Valley police departments for E-Bike Safety Enforcement Day, with a total of four parents being notified according to a press release last week.
“We appreciated the opportunity to inform riders who may not have been aware of local and state laws, and to speak with parents about keeping their kids safe,” DPD Chief Thomas Rossberg said May 23. “With two reported incidents just this week of minor injuries to pedestrians by e-bikes on sidewalks Downtown, this was a timely effort and hopefully will help prevent more serious conflicts.”
The stops resulted in some citations and warnings for running stop signs and red lights, riding on sidewalks, and wearing earbuds while riding, with parents contacted in cases involving minor riders.
E-bikes are subject to the same state laws and regulations as regular bicycles, with the town prohibiting any use of e-bikes and scooters on sidewalks in any of its business districts.
In addition to following laws, E-Bike Safety Enforcement Day sought to encourage riders to ride responsibly – avoiding speeding and unsafe maneuvers – and being aware of their surroundings, including pedestrians, vehicles, and other cyclists.
More information on relevant state and local laws, and vehicle classification, is available here.
