If the problem of young people riding e-bikes recklessly downtown persists, police may start ticketing their parents, according to Chief John DiFederico.
Asked about the proliferation and misuse of the motorized vehicles in New Canaan, specifically in the downtown area, DiFederico pointed to a state statute regarding the operation of e-bikes and electric foot scooters. It allows towns to create their own ordinances regarding the vehicles, including “penalties” for violations, as well as provisions requiring annual licensing.
“The statute for bikes and bike rules in general— not just e-bikes—allows for a parent or guardian to be held accountable for their children who are operating a bike illegally: riding on sidewalks, going the wrong way, not obeying traffic laws,” DiFederico told NewCanaanite.com. “So we are exploring that. We certainly do not want to go that route. We would prefer voluntary compliance. But if situations continue or if their child is a repeat offender it may come to where we need to cite the parent and hold them responsible.”
In Connecticut, e-bike motors are not supposed to exceed 750W. There are three classes of e-bikes here—Class 1 is pedal-assist-only up to 20 mph, Class 2 is also up to 20 mph but doesn’t require the rider to pedal, and Class 3 provides power up to 28 mph. Though there’s no license or registration required for e-bikes, those younger than 16 are not allowed to ride Class 3. They’re prohibited on sidewalks and riders are required to wear a helmet.
Yet in New Canaan, police receive complaints not only about e-bike riders on sidewalks but also some wearing improper helmets, loose helmets or no helmets.
DiFederico underscored that his hope is for parents to mind their kids.
“We would prefer that parents parent their children accordingly and make sure that they are not riding irresponsibly downtown,” he said. “And that is the main focus, is downtown. People are walking or driving and it’s dangerous when kids are riding the wrong way.”
If police go the route of ticketing, parents would be issued an infraction summons, DiFederico said.
Though the problem of e-bikes seems relatively new, “kids have been congregating downtown on and off again for decades,” the chief said.
“I remember when I was a rookie, kids were leaving all their backpacks in front of Mackenzie’s, so these things come and go and they’re somewhat cyclical,” he said.
Here’s a recent podcast with NCPD Officer Nicole Vartuli regarding e-bikes in New Canaan.
Only a matter of time before there is a serious accident involving an e-bike or electric scooter. Absence of headgear will only make the outcome worse.
That, unfortunately is exactly what will happen. I was behind a young kid last night, no helmet, no hand signals, in the middle of the road riding recklessly. Its an accident waiting to happen and then there will be finger pointing. Lets get a handle on this BEFORE there is a tragedy.
A parent letting their child right ride one without a helmet is certainly preventable. However, it is not clear to me whether parents know that kids must obey all traffic laws to ride one, including presumably stopping at every red light until it turns green. No one it seems is following these rules and guidelines so perhaps The police should work with the schools to distribute a flyer on the subject.
Parents should visualize themselves riding around town the way young boys do. And how come it’s only boys? It is really dangerous riding in traffic on a two wheel vehicle as apposed to a vehicle with four while enclosed inside.
I rode a motorcycle years ago until I was struck & thrown onto the sidewalk and hospitalized. As much as I loved riding my Bike I decided not to ride it any longer & cashed it in.
I was 40yrs of age at the time…
How about outlawing all non-state licensed two wheel bikes from being ridden through the downtown area? It is both safer and more respectful to walk it on the sidewalks/roads. A bike/automobile accident would not only hurt the person riding the bike, but haunt the driver for the rest of his/her life.
I agree💯
There was an opportunity recently for kids and parents to be informed on laws and safety hosted by the New Canaan Library on e-bikes, presented by our Community Impact Officer Nicole Vartulli. This Wednesday night, the Town Council will be meeting at 7pm. I understand this e-bike issue will be on the agenda. Let’s come together and develop a town ordinance over this problem that keeps everyone safe.
Louise Simpson