Kalani G. a student at Day Creek Intermediate has plenty of concern about safety when riding an e-bike and doing dangerous stunts without a helmet in the middle of moving traffic.
While some people talk about banning e-bikes, Kalani has a recommendation that reflects Mark Hebert’s thoughts toward improving safety for teens across the state.
“No, they should not ban them, I think that they should just put more restrictions. But if [the bike] goes over 30 miles per hour, then you should get it registered, and you should treat it with [regular] traffic laws,” said Kalani G.
Mr. Hernandez is a PE teacher at Day Creek Intermediate. He is also a dad and a professional bike rider, allowing him to have plenty of experience with the topic.
Hernandez has legitimate concern for the safety of students who do dangerous tricks and stunts on their E-bikes.
“I think that electric bikes have a place. It’s just a matter of educating everybody, so they know the rules of the road. It is like driving a car. You have to be aware of your surroundings, know the right of way and the direction you are going,” said Mr. Hernandez.
He isn’t alone in his concern. Parents see the damage to local parks but also worry that the machine is too powerful for the age of the rider.
Many parents want to ban electric bikes altogether. So far, limitations are related solely to speed, which is generally 20 mph. Helmets are required by CA law, regardless of whether the bike is electric or not.
The concern over electric bikes has become so significant that schools have weighed in on educating kids about E-bike safety.
“I think that kids need to be taught how to use electric bikes, so we are trying to put bike safety rules into our morning announcements. It is a difficult thing to learn because it is motorized, and kids don’t use them appropriately, so parents need to help their children understand how to ride it properly,” said Assistant Principal Thompson.
Among all of the issues that are part of leading a campus, it’s unfortunate that principals are having to address something that doesn’t even happen at school.
Instead of focusing on campus events, administration is having to take care of kids who won’t take care of themselves.
“Sometimes it can be disappointing, but more so, I feel bad when kids get hurt. One morning we did have a student hit, and I saw it and that was very frustrating,” said Assistant Principal Thompson. “I think kids can have [E-bikes] in middle school, but they should only go a certain speed depending on their age.”
One bike shop in Rancho Cucamonga is Mark’s Bicycle Shop, located on Baseline, just west of Archibald. The Howl spoke to Mark Hebert, the owner of the store. He definitely sees the advantage of e-bikes, as they make it easier for kids and adults to commute to school and work. As pedal-powered bikes slowly fade into the past, e-bikes have become the future for adults and teens who do not like the idea of being covered with sweat while heading to work or school.
“E-bikes are the future. I personally like the [e-bike] line. They are really helpful for people who don’t prefer pedal-powered bikes. It really depends on the person,” said Mark.
While local bike shops believe in the advantages of owning an e-bike, they also recognize the frustration with irresponsible teens who go without helmets and do dangerous stunts in the middle of the street alongside moving traffic.
“Kids are just irresponsible with [e-bikes]; they’re just like motorcycles. You should need a license to operate one, but that is up to the government. [E-bikes] are a serious, serious type of equipment and when you are riding an e-bike, you should treat it with the motorbike laws.”
