NJ Congressman Announces E-Bike Safety Initiative

On September 5, a new e-bike safety initiative was announced by a New Jersey Congressman in response to a troubling increase in injuries involving children riding e-bikes. The Congressman, a member of the Children’s Safety Caucus, was joined by local officials and first responders at Hackensack High School. The announcement comes a month after a 14-year-old boy tragically died in an e-bike accident after being hit by a car in Somers Point.

E-bikes are becoming a fast-growing trend. They are everywhere nowadays, and while they are fun and efficient, e-bikes can be dangerous without proper safety precautions in place.

Sadly, incidents involving young riders have surged in recent years, with many accidents causing serious harm and even deaths. Studies show that the age group most frequently impacted is between 10 and 13 years old, and injury rates spiked by nearly 300% between 2019 and 2022. Hospitals reported more than 53,000 e-bike-related injuries during that span.

The Congressman’s E-Bike Safety Plan includes new legislation to increase federal investments for states to create e-bike safety plans and increase public awareness around safe riding practices. The goal is to reduce the number of accidents involving children, improve helmet usage, and make riding e-bikes safer through better education, enforcement, and infrastructure.

The proposed safety strategy includes the following key measures:

Introduction of legislation to secure federal funding so that each state can establish or strengthen its own e-bike safety plans. These would cover areas like encouraging helmet use, promoting safe riding behaviors, gathering and sharing crash data, and supporting local law enforcement efforts.
A request to e-bike rental services to tighten enforcement of age limits and other safety policies, beyond just requiring self-verification of age.
A proposal for national guidelines or recommendations from the transportation authority to help schools and public safety campaigns incorporate e-bike safety education.
A state-level public education effort, working through departments of transportation and education, to raise awareness among families and young riders about safe practices.
Ensuring that upcoming federal infrastructure or transportation bills include dedicated funding for e-bike safety plans at the state level.

Safety Tips for E-Bike Users

While policy changes are helpful, riders can also take steps to stay safe:

Always wear a helmet. Head injuries are the most serious risk in e-bike crashes, and helmets drastically reduce the danger.
Follow traffic laws. E-bikes must obey the same rules as bicycles or motor vehicles, depending on local laws, so stop at signals.
Ride at a safe speed. E-bikes can reach higher speeds than traditional bikes, so slow down in crowded areas.
Use lights and reflective gear. Make sure you’re visible, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
Check your equipment. Regularly inspect brakes, tires, and battery connections before riding.

Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Bicycles can easily get into serious accidents. Riders need all the help they can get, and hopefully this plan will help make bike riding safer for everyone.

A Morristown bicycle accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can help you with your case. If you or a loved one has been injured on New Jersey roads, lean on our experience and legal knowledge to secure a verdict or settlement. Call (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Source:

gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-announces-new-e-bike-safety-plan-to-protect-children-from-rise-in-e-bike-accidents